Garth RattrayTHE UNMISTAKABLE smell of politics is once again in the air. As the time for the General Elections draws near, political parties are warming up their respective engines and revving up in preparation for the big event. It also appears as if the forecasted pre-election violence is on the rise as several killings have been linked to politics. The hype has already begun to leach out from the wellspring of rhetoric. Amid the cataract of words we are hearing of some commendable efforts like the Bipartisan Committee against Crime and Violence and the Jamaica Labour Party call for an 'Election peace plan' in the wake of recent killings suspected to be politically motivated.
This is all well and good but the politicians are preaching to the converted, they should tell the peace plans directly to the malefactors. We, who read and listen attentively to news reports hoping to hear some profound and selfless revelation from the candidates, have always believed in peace. Now, our candidates must put every effort into re-educating the so-called masses before the bloodbath begins in earnest.
People who are dependent upon politics for survival perceive those who vote for an opposing party as their enemies and instinctively despise them. They either employ violence or exercise their franchise by using their votes as weapons to defeat their opponents. They do not vote based on moral convictions or performance analysis. They never ask questions like, which party is best for our nation? Which party is more efficient and more organised? Which party has the better team of experts? Who will make the best Prime Minister? Which party is less corrupt? Who will be able to control crime? Who will be effective in managing the economy? Which candidate is likely to be genuinely concerned with the nation and not feather his or her bed? Which candidate will serve the constituency well? These people vote based on only one question, what can they do for me?
What must be understood is that the political violence is rooted in a misguided quest for survival. Before the advent of the dons, many in garrison communities were totally dependent upon the politicians for their day to day subsistence. Now they receive augmentation from alternative income generated by their new benefactors but still depend somewhat on favours in cash and kind from the politicians. One reason for the unprecedented escalation in crime is the fact that these terrorists now often serve two masters, the new and the old benefactors. Although these sometimes have separate agendas, a loss for their party still means a loss of handouts, jobs, benefits and an uncertain future.
Statements to the press by political candidates are just that - statements. I believe that the people who perpetrate political violence do not take the politicians seriously when a call is made for peaceful General Elections. We have come to expect candidates to say and do just about anything in order to secure votes come Election Day. Nevertheless, politicians have a moral duty to do everything within their purview to prevent bloodshed, even if their actions entail self-sacrifice. In this matter our public figures must find a way to make their overzealous followers believe and obey them. There needs to be a serious effort at convincing those who perpetrate political violence that their actions will not and cannot be tolerated any longer.
Whenever political rallies take place, constituents who benefit from the 'spoils' are required to attend and to offer their unmitigated, unrestrained support. Buses and cars are provided for those unable to attend under their own steam. Those who refrain from attending are viewed with scepticism and are expected to render valid excuses. That is how serious many people view these political rallies. Candidates should call for peace rallies with the same fervour that political rallies are convened. Affording them equal status will establish the importance of peace and construct a psychological link between politics and non-violence.
At these rallies, candidates should make it clear that their involvement in politics depends entirely upon the peaceful conduct of the constituents. They should genuinely tell their supporters that if they engage in violent acts they (the candidates) would withdraw from the election in order to dissociate themselves from the bloodshed. Terrorists would realise that violence is futile and would in fact be self-destructive. Violent acts would result in the automatic loss of the very reason for the violence. There would be nothing to gain and everything to lose.
It's full time that political candidates put their money where their mouth is. If they truly believe in peace, if they are genuinely concerned about the bloodshed, if they are truly putting the country and its people first, then they need to be prepared to sacrifice. I am reminded of Mohandas Karamchand (Mahatma) Gandhi (October 2, 1869 - January 30, 1948). He was not a politician, he was 'only' a concerned citizen who wanted the very best for his native India. He practised satyagraha ('holding on to truth', or 'soul force') and ahimsa (non-violence). If his countrymen committed violent acts in the name of religion, politics or even freedom, he would fast to the point of risking his own health until they relented. This was true sacrifice for a just cause. This was a man who truly cared about his homeland, he had no selfish agendas.
Over the years thousands of lives have been needlessly lost because of politics and as this election year progresses we can expect to lose many more unless drastic measures are put in place. If the very reason for the political violence ceases to exist then so will the violence. It is better to lose the Election and save lives than to win in the knowledge that lives have been lost. The blood of our people is far too precious to be spilled over a mundane thing like politics.
Dr Garth A. Rattray is a medical doctor with a family practice.
