A vote is the heart of our elections, so enumeration and registration are crucial. It was hard won; so those who don’t vote on purpose are crazy! We are on the brink of elections and it’s hard for voters to get proper perspective in this eye- and ear-polluting maelstrom.

New voters should know that in our system the Opposition is in the driver’s seat and Government a sitting duck. Government’s work is done, so the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) dissects; spins; trashes a ministry, agency, project; or it may produce a manifesto of innovation to shame the People’s National Party (PNP). Let’s see.

The party in power does nothing right, good or valuable; a peccadillo is a hanging offence; with oxygen it may be Armageddon; the politics of illiteracy. Still the decibels and venom inside Parliament and out is unacceptable. The PNP parry, correct error, and preach its achievements. We hoped the paradigm would shift and prudence, accountability, and innovation be new beatitudes — Not so!

The Andrew Holness/Audley Shaw episode with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) at the last poll still haunts us. Jamaica lost international trust and the shock today is that the same JLP team is on offer. Why impose on voters the failed duo? Cho!

The Holness/Shaw impact did not end in 2011. Their legacy? A trust deficit and harsh IMF conditions precedent. The PNP started national reconstruction in 2012, and history will record victory by our masses and classes over hardship for a cause greater than their personal and corporate selves. Warned of “bitter medicine” we sacrificed and, like our kids, took tests adjudicated by global bodies. Portia inspired, did not obstruct the heavy lifting, and we are now more than conquerers. We are savvy; invisible when we consumed into debt, but we sacrificed with dignity and are stars. This model should guide industry and production. The fundamentals of the economy are sound — almost — and this election will anoint a team to move us from “most improved loser” to the winner’s circle. There a case for continuity.

This election will determine which party builds on the world-acclaimed foundation laid by Team PNP. After the JLP term of twaddle they want growth now, right now! Be calm; it takes nine months to make a baby. We were led by economic genius, then Joshua — hands-off men who left ministers to their own devices — we did not prosper. We were endowed, yet have no monument to bauxite or “the noble sugar worker” after centuries of continuous cane production. We always suffer, but now our pain is creative and redemptive, and by the extraordinary commitment of our people we cleanse (“bitter medicine”), hydrate, we shall prosper.

The election battleground is bleak, but the issues simple. Though the tirades confuse many and corrupt money moves, we are not yet under starter’s orders. Promises are made daily, but who can we trust? Thanks to our Diaspora and global media we know our relatives in ‘lands of plenty’ also catch Hell. Promises will not get our vote. Where is the JLP manifesto? Cho, man!

Leaders are the brain; are they ready? Young voters see “cass-cass” without the finesse, decorum and oratory of the old guard — hear Mike or A J. The PNP has no Michael Manley, the JLP no Eddie Seaga; despite KD, public oratory languishes; and, thanks to Peter Phillips, financial acumen now rests with the PNP.

Portia a known metric; imperfect, no rocket scientist, overachiever; quietly marshals her team; an inspiration to every female. Holness, old politics in young skin; hand-reared, propelled to office ahead of JLP worthies — the twisted moral for youth is get a godfather. As youth, he should be a rocket scientist; minister in technology or innovation, so when he was sent to education we knew his skill sets were old hat. Is he stentorian, angry? Sir, public service is not compulsory, let it go! Friends try this exercise: Turn off the sound on your TV and look at the politician speaking. Is it the face of good? So what are the real issues?

Issues are the circulation system of politics, blocked at times by sound trash. Don’t cry for Fenton; his shoulders are broad, and the JLP needs sound bytes, even at the expense of parental dignity. The major issue is who will lead us into the last half of this second decade of the 21st century, as we cut the cost of the State and exit this phase into investment, growth and national prosperity? Next, zero tolerance of crime, starting with small stuff as traffic, antisocial conduct and gunmen. Third, we attract investors by the ease of doing business; a trained workforce that speaks English and taxation computed on one sheet of paper. Forget the distractions and focus, people! What may the political parties do? Cho, bwoy!

Job descriptions

The PNP’s job is to communicate its successes. Say it clearly, say it often! We have never prospered; but now investors are on board, the human capital plan is robust, and macroeconomic metrics are on target.

The job of the JLP is to fly kites and probe. The PNP must see this as resilience-testing and be armed with data, as we all know final outcomes are long-term, not a five-year sprint. The hype of housing, drought, new prison, health, security, is mainly drama and being minister is not an easy ride as convention allows the Opposition to score points too — this is our democracy. What’s next education? Cho, bring it on, guy!

The role of the uncommitted? They hold the key to election victory. How do you reach them? Let’s talk privately. Some six weeks after the election is called 95,750 of these outliers will make a winner. In 1967, 1976, 1980, over 80 per cent of the electorate voted. Wow! Now we expect, at best, 59 per cent; some 75 per cent green and gold. The outliers are one in nine (1/9) of us. You meet them at work, self-employed, housewife, jobless; they belong to lodge, church, service club, and none. They have no identifying marks, dress code or set colour; no plangent ditty or secret handshakes and are blissfully unaware of each other. They are not a force, just a residue; a statistical aggregation with a presence like a vapour trail in the sky after the event. They live among us. Stay conscious, my friend!

Dr Franklin Johnston is a strategist, project manager and advisor to the minister of education. Send comments to the Observer or to franklinjohnstontoo@gmail.com.