Dear Editor,

In the wake of the recently concluded local government elections in Jamaica, a glaring issue has come to light — the populace’s lack of basic knowledge about Jamaica’s electoral system. This deficiency not only pertains to the electoral process itself but also extends to the terminologies associated with various elections, leading to confusion and misinformation among citizens.

During the elections it became apparent that many individuals, including media outlets, were using terms such as “constituency” interchangeably with “divisions” despite the fact that they hold distinct meanings and are relevant to different aspects of the electoral process. This misuse of terminology only served to compound the confusion surrounding the elections.

One particularly troubling aspect of this confusion arose when the Electoral Office of Jamaica (EOJ) officially declared the election results. Many Jamaicans were left puzzled as they were unaware of the procedures in place for determining the winner in the event of a tie regarding divisions won. This lack of understanding further underscored the need for improved civic education surrounding Jamaica’s electoral system.

However, amidst these challenges lie a glimmer of hope with the reintroduction of civics in schools. By educating the next generation about the intricacies of Jamaica’s electoral system and the associated terminologies, we can foster a more informed electorate. Additional measures, such as public awareness campaigns and efforts to promote civic engagement, can also help to empower citizens with the knowledge needed to navigate the electoral process and strengthen democracy in this country.

With a better understanding of how elections work, future generations will be equipped to critically engage with the democratic process and make informed decisions. This will inevitably lead to a win-win situation for both those vying for power and those with the power to select the nation’s leaders.

Mikhail A Graham

mikhailgraham@yahoo.com