Dear Editor,

A recent Don Anderson Poll showed that 76 per cent of respondents supported term limits for councillors and Members of Parliament (MPs), while 78 per cent also believed prime ministers should serve for a predetermined period.

According to the poll, younger respondents, in particular, support term limits; they are obviously more in tune with the times. The favourability of term limits for elected officials is a growing trend in many democracies. Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness campaigned on this in 2016; in fact, it was prioritised for the first 100 days. He must’ve changed his mind. We know it is not easy to let go of power, which is why term limits matter.

Perhaps the most important consideration for term limits is that public officials have direct access to large sums of money, the limits help to reduce the risk of corruption and mismanagement. Renewal allows for new ideas and new energy, which can boost development and efficiency. There is less room for complacency as officials have limited time in office to achieve. A person with expertise might think he/she is irreplaceable, but after serving two terms, he/she is much better suited as an advisor or consultant who can be called upon when needed. He/she can sit on boards, committees, and task forces.

While parties can be elected for consecutive terms, the prime minister, MPs, and councillors should not have such luxury. There should be strategic planning for replacement, which is in the best interest of the country. We have become too partisan in our approach to political appointments, whereby friends and party supporters are rewarded. Most elected officials have other jobs, businesses, and professions and should welcome term limits. I think lack of renewal is one of the main reasons areas such as health care, education, and social services remain underdeveloped, but no one seems to care.

Election dates should also be specific and not left to the whim and fancy of any one person based on circumstances. Term limits are an effective way to restrict those with dictatorship tendencies. How can the leader of any Government assert that, “The People’s National Party must not be allowed to return to power,” and “The Jamaica Labour Party does not need an Opposition”? These are very troubling statements made in public, and should be of concern to well-thinking Jamaicans, regardless of political affiliation.

P Chin

chin_p@yahoo.com