Beverley Anderson -Manley

As the general election draws nigh, a major focus is going to be placed on the 16 marginal seats - i.e. seats won by just over or under 1,000 votes. At the present time these seats can go to either party. In many cases what will make the difference is, how voters see either Party Leader and/or how they view their candidates.

When former Prime Minister and Party Leader P.J. Patterson declared at the recent 68th annual conference of the PNP that there were MPs and candidates who would just not be able to make it, he knows what he is saying. He also reminded his audience that it was possible to win the popular vote, as the PNP did in 1949 and lose the elections. Therefore, whatever happens, the election will be won seat by seat. Many MPs/candidates are just not cutting it.

After 17 long years in office, it is hardly surprising that many of the PNP MPs have become stale and battle-weary. Now the PNP is being confronted by a newly energised Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) anxious to win its first general election since 1980. The critical thing the JLP has going for it this time around - is a new leader who has been able to unify the party enough, so that there is a possibility of electoral victory. The JLP is smelling victory and it is a sweet smell.

Alternative Government

The JLP advertisements in the media present that organisation as one that is getting ready to take state power. The advertisements are introducing their candidates one by one with sound bites that can be easily understood by the voters in particular and the public at large. In addition, we are hearing from more and more shadow ministers expressing some amount of knowledge with respect to their portfolios. Audley Shaw, who carried most of the shadow cabinet on his back for some time, is no longer alone.

In addition, the JLP has stepped up its participation and contribution to the Parliament. Questions are being asked of Ministers in very specific ways. Thanks to the opening up of the Parliament in the 1990's, voters now have the opportunity to see some of what happens there as both sides face each other. The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) ably chaired by the Opposition spokesperson on Finance, Audley Shaw, now has two new members - backbenchers K.D. Knight and John Junor. It is a sign of our democratic progress that we can have a bureaucrat like Greg Christie, the Contractor General, who is willing to carry out his duties in a non-partisan political way. Similarly, it is of equal importance that those we choose to represent us are not afraid to ask questions of any bureaucrat - independent-minded or not. This is a new era in politics.

Political Violence

The Political Ombudsman, Rev. Herro Blair, has also carried out his duties in a non-partisan way. As head of the Peace Management Initiative (PMI), Rev. Blair has walked through several volatile inner-city communities brokering peace accords. As the elections approach, political violence is again beginning to rear its head. The PMI has a critical role to play in terms of facilitating the peace process in these communities. Dialogue is only the beginning but it is the only beginning, given the hostility that often exists in these areas, even between candidate and MP. We do not need to make friends with friends. Genuine dialogue demands having both parties in the same room. It involves suspending assumptions. The frame for these discussions must be a willingness to see positive results arising out of the conversations. Moreover it begins with the questioning of onesself before projecting unto others. In the end, political violence will only be stamped out in Jamaica when the majority of us want these outcomes.

The stakes are high for the next general election. As Jamaicans, continue to watch those 'battle-ground' seats and at the first sign of trouble - report it to the police and remember - "One hand can't clap". Vote to make a difference.

Beverley Manley is a political scientist and talk show host. Email: BManley@kasnet.com