Orville Taylor | Election fever and delirium

My deepest sympathies to the lady, who lost part of her leg in the unfortunate traffic incident, while on the campaign trail.

Call it however you want to, but nomination day and some of the rallies before were beautiful spectacles. Of course, I have no orange or green clothes in my wardrobe. However, to see bevy of people glad dominantly in the same colour, chanting in unison, without fear that throngs of their opponents will come by and engage them violently, is a big deal.

Political rallies, against the background of peace, in a country with a high homicide rate, is no small achievement. There is a lot that we take for granted and unfortunately some of the older folk in the politics, who either had front seats or were part of the great divide of the 1970s and 1980s, have relinquished their responsibility to make certain that we never descend into the dark days of the undeclared civil war again.

It is disingenuous for anyone to suggest that these are not very important elections. The governing Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) has control over almost all of the parish councils nationally. Therefore, in many ways, this is a referendum, a test not only of the validity of the polls, conducted by Don Anderson and others, but given the fact that elections are won on the day, it will be a demonstration of the organisational capability of both political parties.

FOOTBALL MATCH

Right now, this is like a football match. True, it is the Gold Cup and not the World Cup qualifiers. Yet, more than ever, we need a referee, who has control of the balls and the power to call fouls, offsides and to issue yellow and red cards. Last week, against the wisdom and caution of JLP elder statesman Karl Samuda, the most qualified parliamentarian in these matters, the Government hurriedly passed a new Political Ombudsman Act.

Unlike its predecessor, the Office of the Ombudsman is now ensconced within the Electoral Commission of Jamaica.

Tacitly, the parties have agreed to a code of conduct, which includes non-violence and no intimidation, avoidance of confrontation; defacing of buildings and installations among others. Certainly, there is the commitment to adhere to all of the local laws, especially those associated with offences against the person, use of deadly force and public safety and traffic enforcement.

Too often people lose their lives or limbs because motorcades feel a sense of impunity, protruding all parts of their body out of motor vehicles. In fact, body protrusions are also personal, when gutsy individuals, dressed in their daughters’ tights and bra tops, believe that the coca cola shape referred to the two-litre bottle.

In the same way that men simply look nasty wen they show their butt cheeks and mildewed boxers, albeit name brand, supporters need to take pride in themselves as well. None of the politicians dress like that and certainly, none would stick his neck out of a moving vehicle.

SET STANDARDS

There must be a better way, because we as leaders should set standards for our conduct and expect that those who follow us behave properly.

The majority of Jamaicans are not old enough to remember the sheer terror of persons traipsing across invisible political borders, and sometimes paying dearly with their lives. Once more, the flags, drapery and the painted sidewalks are out, and they do not have the same appeal as the colourful spectacle of people, wilfully gathering around, to freely demonstrate their solidarity and support for their political choices. Some 80 years ago, we became the first set of black people anywhere in the world to have the unadulterated right to vote in elections, without being constrained by race, colour, creed, economic status, or anything else except being simply Jamaican.

Never mind the fact that in certain communities or constituencies, which are labelled as garrisons, the overwhelming majority of voters mark their Xs along party lines. Yet, there are minorities, who simply do not support the party, but have to endure the flags or the painted sidewalks.

Notwithstanding this, our political leaders are disrespectful to the garrisons. After all, I am willing to bet that not one single one of them would want their homes in Green Acres to be lined by 800 metres of curb walls painted in party colours. Similarly, just imagine Orange Grove with tangerine-coloured flags and fabric wrapping all light poles.

This is not history; it is a lived experience. There was a time when we were so divided, that my friends who lived across from my front door would never accept a Bustamante $1 bill, no matter how hungry they were. Conversely, my other friends would be deeply insulted if a $5 bill with the face of Norman Manley was given to them.

Flags and painted sidewalks and not simply symbols of political support; they easily can be about bullying of residents, telling them that they are not free to choose whomever they want to vote for.

Samuda is uniquely poised, because he epitomises the difference between a political garrison, where electors are constrained to vote according to the dictates of a party, and one where the constituents simply love their representative.

Jamaica is my home and refuge, and I am proud of the entrenched democracy within which I live. Good sense is better than pocket money.

Dr Orville Taylor is senior lecturer at the Department of Sociology at The University of the West Indies, a radio talk-show host, and author of ‘Broken Promises, Hearts and Pockets’. Send feedback to columns@gleanerjm.com and tayloronblackline@hotmail.com.