Among the more pleasing aspects of elections in recent years has been the lowering of political temperatures.

It’s been increasingly commonplace over recent years to see rival party supporters warmly greeting and embracing each other at election time.

It has led to the feeling that, while much remains wrong with Jamaica, our conduct of elections and respect for the right to choose have improved by leaps and bounds.

For those old enough to remember Jamaica teetering on the edge of civil war because of politically tribal hostilities, the change in electoral practice has been like ongoing fresh air.

Decades ago, leadership of both political parties were credited for stepping back from the abyss and displaying the will and fortitude to set up the Electoral Commission of Jamaica (ECJ) to conduct elections; thereby, removing responsibility from incumbent governments.

Prior to the ECJ, allegations of gerrymandering and other political chicanery were par for the course, providing fertile ground for bitter hostilities — not least political violence.

Fast-forward to now and this newspaper has grown more than a little perturbed over recent times at rising political tension and unease ahead of parliamentary elections. It’s perhaps most apparent in the harsh verbal exchanges among rivals and the bitter quarrel in relation to proposed city status for Portmore.

Alarmingly, earlier this week, videos went viral of people across the political divide losing self-control, indulging in unseemly behaviour and coming perilously close to, even if not actually becoming embroiled in, physical altercations at a public meeting in Portmore.

Equally concerning, in our view, was what we believe was the reckless decision of People’s National Party (PNP) councillors at St Catherine Municipal Corporation to force adjournment of the monthly meeting in order to participate in a protest demonstration at the formal opening of Parliament in Kingston.

Regardless of rights or wrongs of the proposal for city status in Portmore, we contend that the first duty of St Catherine councillors on that day was to address the people’s business at the council meeting. Protests, and such, should have been left to others.

We are appalled that mayor of Spanish Town and chairman of St Catherine Municipal Corporation Mr Norman Scott sought to justify the ludicrous action by himself and his colleagues.

In the case of the fracas at the public meeting we hear that, following allegations of assault, there is a police investigation. Beyond that, leadership of our two political parties should take charge and ensure good sense prevails going forward.

As is, Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness has until September to name the date for the next parliamentary election — constitutionally due every five years. He has the right to ‘fly the gate’ at any time before then.

Prime ministers have always reserved the right to call elections at a time perceived to be most politically advantageous and, no doubt, Dr Holness is actively weighing his options.

However, embedded in his thinking right now, we believe, should be the challenge posed by rising political tensions and built-in risks of politically tribal instability.

We believe the quicker we can get this election out of the way after the upcoming budget debate, the better off we all will be.