Dear Editor,

The silly season is in full effect. The tension is picking up steam, and it is anticipated that Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness will announce the election date shortly — possibly at this Sunday’s mass rally in Half-Way-Tree.

It appears Dr Holness and the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) are eyeing a September election, similar to 2020, as part of their ambitious quest to secure a historic third term. We remember vividly that the last general election was held during the novel coronavirus pandemic and had a remarkably low voter turnout. Given that things have long returned to normality, we will see the extent to which both the JLP and the People’s National Party (PNP) are able to rally their constituents to vote. Both political parties are hungry for State power. The JLP wants to remain at Jamaica House to continue its growth and prosperity agenda, while the PNP cannot afford to suffer a third defeat, this would have serious consequences on the party’s political capital.

Nevertheless, as these two major parties intensify their campaigns and appeal to undecided voters — if at all they are — it must be done without violence and victimisation.

It means that political leaders and campaign speakers must be careful in how they address supporters at their rallies. They should not speak in a manner that incites or encourages attacks on their rivals. They should quickly denounce every act of violence that occurs and promote peace and safety for all.

It is scary to read reports of violence, such as that experienced by Member of Parliament Donovan Williams and his team in Central Kingston. Thankfully, no fatality was recorded. However, it is concerning and makes us wonder if we are returning to the dark ages of political violence — an era that stained our political history.

Similarly, no political party should try to jeopardise the election process by disenfranchising voters. Elections should be free and fair and every enumerated Jamaican should be able to go to their respective polling station safely via whichever mode of transportation they choose — taxis, personal vehicles, or even the hotly debated school buses.

Given the current political climate, our armed forces will have to provide increased presence to guarantee safety and protection. Special attention should be given to battleground divisions and areas that have a history of political violence.

By the way, I think I speak for many Jamaicans who are wondering why both the JLP and PNP are having their mass rallies in proximity to each other on Sunday. Was this well thought through?

Oneil Madden

Maddenoniel@yahoo.com