Dear Editor,

Old time people use to tell us, “Tek sleep mark death,” and by that principle I am left with a deep concern and a heavy heart regarding the most recent comments made by aspirant to the prime minister’s office, Opposition Leader Mark Golding, at the People’s National Party’s (PNP) East Rural Constituency Conference.

The Opposition leader seemed to have encouraged electoral fraud, specifically advocating for the use of deceased supporters’ names to cast votes.

These comments should never be taken lightly, but serve as a stark indicator of desperation and an alarming disregard for the democratic process. We should be deeply troubled by any utterance, jokingly or otherwise, which makes reference to activities that would undermine the sanctity of our elections, for it threatens the very foundation of our nation’s future.

It is disheartening to hear such utterances on our political landscape in 2023. Time come for our democracy to be a shining example of respect for the rule of law, transparency, and fairness. The idea of exploiting the names of their dearly departed supporters for political gain is not only morally reprehensible but also a dangerous step backward.

We must remember the lessons from our history. Electoral fraud and manipulations are ghosts of a dark past, and we must never forget the consequences they brought upon societies that succumbed to such practices.

I implore the people of Jamaica to stand united against any form of electoral fraud and manipulation. We must be vigilant custodians of our democratic principles, ensuring that the voices of the living are the only ones that resonate through our ballot boxes.

To the young members of the PNP and our society, let us find common ground in our commitment to uphold the values that make us a strong and resilient nation. Our strength lies in our ability to rise above political differences and work together for the greater good.

As we move forward, let us hold our leaders accountable for their words and actions. Democracy demands transparency, honesty, and integrity from those who seek to lead. It is our responsibility as citizens to ensure that our elected representatives embody these virtues and lead by example.

Let us embrace a future where fairness, justice, and unity prevail and not one characterised by desperate despotic dictates.

Wade Brown

Vice-president

Young Jamaica

wade.brown00@gmail.com