Readers’ reactions

Lisa Vasciannie | Prospects of diaspora vote for Jamaica

Maybe a solution to the “diaspora vote” issue is to allow three seats in the Senate to be reserved for diaspora representatives. These would be independent non-voting seats. So they can participate in debates but not vote. Win-win for diaspora representation. – @Zemi66

Out of the question. No one should have the right to vote without having to bear the responsibility of said action. – @RonBabylon

That’s great because I want to vote! – @kyle_crimson1

Absolutely not. If they want a say, move back and vote. Simple. I could only think of the unfair and rigged outcomes that don’t benefit the people but the government, corporations and probably not so good foreign interest. – @sxaliyah

No, if you want to vote on the future of Jamaica, you should at least be there. Also, Jamaica’s voting system is constituency/region based. How can you decide what’s best for your community if you don’t even live there? You’ll just have people voting based on party loyalty which is a democratic poison. – @nathanael_amore

U want to make decisions about where I live but u live somewhere else ... decisions that will affect me daily but will not affect [you] very much if at all ... please my ppl we can be more intelligent. – @malijaygraphicdesigns

I live in the US and I travelled to vote every elections. I believe we in the diaspora should not be given such privilege. You Donna have ppl who abandoned Jamaica, voting too and they really don’t care how the country runs. It should never be. – @876whir

I disagree because voting should stay between the county and citizens who live there. – @r_O_j22

I will continuously reject and oppose this suggestion of a diaspora vote. Jamaica still has many hurdles to cross in its democracy, therefore I reject any outside influence that will have a lasting effect/impact on Jamaicans living in Jamaica. – @d.mackenzie6

You nah stay in no other country and impact my life. – @shan_eha_renee

It’s so funny to me that we grab up and own up anybody who is even vaguely Jamaican and claim any achievement they make as a win for the country but yet they should not vote cuz they *checks notes* do not live here. What about nuances? If they operate a business here and pay taxes can they vote, then? I believe they should be able to vote. – @princessjodiethemagnificent

Readers’ reactions sourced from The Gleaner’s X, formerly Twitter, and Instagram pages. Compiled by Khanique McDaniel