Why I will not vote

When Jamaicans go to the polls in a few weeks' time, many will not join them. We asked Gleaner readers recently to write in and tell us why they will not vote and for the undecided to say what would make them vote. They did so, giving the political parties a tongue-lashing in the process. Tomorrow's Sunday Gleaner will detail their response.

Here are two examples:

• 
  
  If voting is ever made compulsory in Jamaica, I would consider migrating. That's because there is no transparency in politics or governance in Jamaica and I will never be a part of that system.

I will not vote in this election because I don't believe our system of governance will change. Persons who have been in politics for ages, some of whom are responsible for the dire strait our country is in, are still there. I have no confidence in their ability to lead, even with the injection of new faces.

• 
  
  I will vote when politicians in Jamaica realise/do the following:

1. They are elected by us and so are accountable to us.

2. Stop treating us with contempt and disregard.

3. Stop treating us in their arrogant and high-handed manner.

4. Stop lying to us.

5. Punish corrupt officials.

6. Make better use of my tax dollars.

7. Stop appearing once every five years only.

8. Stop making promises they cannot/do not intend to keep.