Dear editor,

“Electile dysfunction” is an unconventional term used to define a condition where you are unable to be aroused by any political discourse put forward by political parties.

As a young Jamaican it is quite easy to develop this condition when both political parties continue to employ the same old tricks and expect to win support.

I must say that this is a condition that I identify with, since I have never exercised my right to vote — a right that was fought for by my ancestors.

But I do not believe this right should be used to endorse undeserving candidates. Nor do I believe I should vote for a party because my great grandparents were PNP or JLP.

This is an ideology that is exemplified by many Jamaicans, especially during election season, with the statements, “mi a born labourite” or “mi a born comrade”.

These sentiments have held back many people from truly assessing their candidate’s readiness for the position and have allowed the parties to establish political strongholds. However, little to no development is seen in these constituencies.

Democracy is being suffocated when a party leader is selected uncontested because it is “their time” now — as if it is monarchy or he was ordained to be the leader.

These things go against the fabric of nation building and shouldn’t be encouraged in 21st century Jamaica by either party.

Peter Phillips being selected as PNP leader points to a bigger problem in both political parties — the lack of succession planning. They have both shown little interest in truly engaging the youth arm of the parties.

The inadequate focus placed on training young leaders in the various ministries and constituencies is truly alarmingly. Instead, the legacy of holding tightly to seats as personal property continues to be perpetrated by both parties.

 It is also worrisome when the prominence of one member is awarded over years of work of another, as was seen in the recent election in St Andrew South Western Constituency.

I am left puzzled about the values that the PNP hold dear as party? And it is clear that Michael Manley’s warning has been ignored, as the party has descended into being merely an election-winning machinery. Is this the type of politics that should entice young people to vote?  

There is no grading scheme that truly assess whether these members of Parliament are performing and neither are they held accountable for undesirable behaviour.

Instead Andrew Holness allows the bad behaviour of members of the JLP such as Everald Warmington to go unchecked. Party leaders should not only ensure that MPs have at least yearly goals for their constituency and see to it that these are realised, but also openly discipline members’ lewd behaviour and send a positive message to the wider society that is grappling with unruliness.

Furthermore, if Jamaica is to truly move from developing country status, aggressive attention has to be placed on constituency development and MPs should be fired, just as members of the corporate world are, if they fail to carry out their job description.

Jamaica needs MPs that are committed not to just winning a seat to have a job but will enthusiastically strive for economic growth and development in their constituencies after the polling station closes.

Delethy Ellis