The recent general election that saw an electorate turnout of 47 per cent, ending in a parliamentary margin of 32 -31 seats between Government and Opposition, respectively, with many seats closely contested, has drawn much-needed attention to how government essentially functions and how we go about electing political representatives.

It is expected that Andrew Holness and his new Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) Government will have critical constitutional reforms to implement with the input and cooperation of the Opposition, but most importantly civil society as the Partnership for Jamaica (PFJ) articles dictate.

Leading into the general election, Andrew Holness on a platform singled out that his first 100 days would feature constitutional reform.

Based on on the fulfilment with this promise, I believe that it’s safe to put forward that the first post-Independence generation prime minister of Jamaica’s legacy will largely be crafted by his continued interaction with the social media era youth, who increasingly prefer to engage the process via the virtual space. Policy, politics, and change are common themes of this virtual discourse.

There has been in recent times a major interest in constitutional reform as it gains priority among the informed youth, placing it in line with jobs, affordable tertiary education, cheaper housing and the general economy.

A lasting legacy

Jamaica’s politicians seem to specialise and thrive on creating minor projects to put their name and party colour on. This practice of shortterm fixes for votes can only breed discontinuity when major projects are to be completed after a switch in Government. There has not been recent leadership that creates national consensus around what legacy resembles; too many Jamaicans are unable to link successes to governments.

The new prime minister now has overwhelming support for constitutional reform and governance that crosses the political, ideological and age divides. I believe there couldn’t be a better time for PM Holness to cement his legacy early by generating actual reforms from the civil discourse. The energy is backing reforms, including but not limited to: Fixed election dates, separate executive from parliament, term limits, job description for MPs, an elected Senate, local government autonomy, impeachment, recall, and many other customisable reforms.

Many of these of these reforms would require, as stated by the Jamaican Constitution, a two-thirds majority or a referendum to rectify the changes. These deep, systematic changes are not brick and mortar, job-creating infrastructure projects that will bear the name “Holness Highway”, but nonetheless they carry as much significance for a ‘maturing’ democracy that must begin to wean the politician’s uncontested authority and empower the people.

Good for governance and economy

An immediate change in how citizens are asked to engage with Government and contribute to their own governance will be felt among the newly empowered population. The relationship between civil society will become more than Government with watchdogs, but fully incorporated partners in Jamaica’s governance. The civil society members of the PFJ must now task themselves with not only providing scheduled counsel to the new Government, but being proactive and create strong working groups that will prioritise and formulate the best implementation strategy.

The overhaul of the governance structure can only serve to improve accountability and transparency, with the demand on political representatives to seek his/her constituents’ consensus on major issues before they vote on policies in Parliament.

Any argument that divorces the governance from the economy is false; the economy depends on stern stewardship with honest hands to guide the fiscal ship. For too long our public finances have been treated as a political feeding table, with large proportions going to political mercenaries and activists who are often major business people like construction contractors.

By now, linking the betterment of our nation’s democracy to the legacy of reforms that Andrew Holness and his team have promised, we will be placing a moral duty on those required to fulfil the promises.

Mario Boothe is an Occupy Jamaica activist, digital advocat, blogger and student. Send comments to the Observer or m.raphael.b@gmail.com