Dennis Minott | Reclaiming Jamaica’s democracy — Call to duty then reform

As Jamaica approaches its general election on September 3, a cloud of voter apathy looms large, threatening the legitimacy and vitality of our democracy. The latest data reveals a sobering reality: barely half of Jamaica’s electorate plans to vote, with disinterest and disengagement especially pronounced among the young. This low turnout pattern, if not decisively addressed, risks allowing a minority of the population — not representing the full spectrum of Jamaican voices — to determine the country’s political future once again.

In the 2020 election, a mere 21 per cent of registered voters decided the course for the entire nation. Such a narrow foundation for political power poses a serious challenge for democratic legitimacy. Alongside votes, it must be democracy’s us — the people — who remain sovereign. Our political system must not allow increasing disengagement to become the norm, nor should it perpetuate a governance arrangement that undermines accountability and perpetuates disenchantment.

DEMOCRACY DIVIDEND CONCEPT

In this climate of electoral disengagement, there is growing discourse around bold, innovative strategies to combat voter apathy. One such idea gaining thoughtful consideration is the creation of a ‘Democracy Dividend’ — a policy that would offer every verified voter tangible financial incentives to reward participation, regardless of which party the voter supports.

Such a policy could grant practical rebates or fixed monetary credits over several years on essential government fees and utilities, such as driver’s licence renewals, vehicle registration, property taxes, and monthly residential electricity and water bills. It might also include supports tailored to market vendors, micro-businesses, education grants, and pension benefits — a direct acknowledgement of the value of each vote cast and the civic responsibility fulfilled.

Importantly, this concept reframes voting from a partisan act into a collective investment in democracy itself, offering a unifying message that transcends party lines. Voting is recognised not just as a duty but something a government should tangibly respect and celebrate.

Though implementing such measures with just days until the September 3 election is impractical, this idea represents a thoughtful addition to the wider discussion on how to deepen democratic engagement for the future.

BROADER DEMOCRATIC CHALLENGE

While incentives may help, last-minute fixes alone cannot resolve Jamaica’s enduring democratic weakness — a citizenry that feels politically alienated and a political culture marked by distrust. As political analyst and democracy advocate Dr Trevor Munroe emphasised, Jamaica’s democracy is fragile and must never be taken for granted.

Freedom to vote and assemble was hard-won through decades of struggle, and remains the democratic foundation. But free and fair elections alone do not guarantee a thriving democracy. Jamaica must strengthen the scaffolding — the institutions, legal frameworks, and political norms — that support and sustain the democratic foundation.

Munroe highlighted urgent institutional reforms to safeguard democracy: securing constitutional protections for the Electoral Commission of Jamaica to ensure its independence; reinstating and empowering the Office of the Political Ombudsman to uphold political conduct; instituting full transparency in campaign finance to expose the sources of political funding; and passing legislation enabling citizens to recall underperforming or corrupt elected representatives.

These measures promise to deepen democratic accountability, close gaps in oversight, and reduce abuses that lead to political cynicism.

COMPULSORY VOTING

Even with incentives and structural reforms, the question lingers: how does Jamaica inspire its citizens to redeem their democratic right — and responsibility — to vote? Voter apathy is not just a Jamaican problem; it is a global phenomenon afflicting democracies where disillusionment grows amid perceptions of entrenched elites prioritising personal gain over public good.

One potential remedy is compulsory voting with reasonable exemptions — already practised successfully in about 20 countries worldwide, including Australia, Brazil, Belgium, Chile, and Singapore. Jamaica should consider this option seriously.

To many Jamaicans, compulsory voting may initially sound intrusive. Yet, the legal precedent for such public duty is not unfamiliar. Just as universal vaccination regulations have been adopted to protect community health with clear exemptions, compulsory voting is a similar effort to protect the health of our democracy. Voting is not merely a right but a civil responsibility essential to guarantee that government truly reflects the will of the people. By making voting mandatory, societies reaffirm that democracy is collective and participatory.

Jamaica should also embrace automatic voter registration and simplify voting processes to remove practical barriers to participation. These reforms, paired with robust voter education and outreach, can empower the youth and other disenfranchised groups to re-engage with democracy.

Ultimately, democracies thrive when citizens see that their vote counts and that their government respects and responds to their needs.

CALL TO ACTION

As Election Day nears, all Jamaicans face a choice: either allow democratic apathy to dictate governance or reclaim their role as active participants in shaping the nation’s future. This democracy demands more than just voting — it demands vigilance, civility, and a collective insistence on transparency and accountability.

The incoming government — whether PNP or JLP — must commit to reinforcing democratic institutions and establishing enforceable standards for political ethics and citizen empowerment. Only by institutional renewal and genuine respect for the electorate can Jamaica’s democracy flourish beyond mere foundations to a resilient and thriving structure.

Jamaicans should also hold themselves accountable. Non-voting is a gift to those who would govern without broad public consent. Elections must not serve as a tool for ‘elective dictatorship’, where a small engaged minority dominates policymaking while the majority is sidelined.

Facing low voter turnout and deep political apathy, Jamaica is at a crossroads. The Democracy Dividend concept offers a promising approach to re-energise voter participation through respect and reward. Meanwhile, calls from experts like Dr Munroe remind us that democracy’s survival depends on institutional safeguards, transparency, and active citizenship.

Jamaica’s political leaders and citizens alike must seize this moment for democratic renewal — not only to win elections but to restore trust, broaden participation, and deepen accountability. The future of Jamaican democracy depends on all of us choosing not to take it for granted and fulfilling our solemn duty: to vote, to demand integrity, and to build a stronger, more inclusive nation.

Dennis A. Minott, PhD, is a physicist, green energy consultant, and longtime college counsellor. He is the CEO of A-QuEST. Send feedback to columns@gleanerjm.com