Dear Editor,

The recent general election results in Jamaica have left many citizens, myself included, reflecting on the nature of politics and the dynamics of voter behaviour.

Several outcomes were particularly striking. In Portland Eastern, Ann Marie “Action Ann” Vaz lost despite her year-round efforts in roadworks, community involvement, and support for sporting events. Similarly, Warren Newby’s loss in Clarendon North Western was surprising given his personal investments in repairing long-neglected roads, restoring homes, and providing grants to residents. In Manchester Central, Rhoda Crawford narrowly retained her seat, though her reputation for roadworks earned her the nickname RhodaFix. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness staged a notable comeback victory over Paul Buchanan.

These results highlight some important considerations:

• Many Jamaicans appear focused on short-term benefits, often sacrificing long-term development for immediate but smaller gains.

• The role of a good Member of Parliament (MP) is a delicate balance between meeting immediate needs (“eat-a-food” politics) and investing in sustainable infrastructure.

• The endurance of long-standing MPs suggest a combination of experience, tactical skill, and perhaps a measure of luck/divine intervention.

• Constituents are not family or friends; securing their support requires attentive listening rather than assumptions about their needs.

Globally, we have seen how organisations such as Cambridge Analytica have influenced elections in the United Kingdom, the United States, and Trinidad and Tobago. While I have no evidence to suggest their involvement here, I did observe tactics in some constituencies that echoed such influence, particularly in Portland. Philosophers as far back as Socrates have argued that democracy, while valuable, is vulnerable — mobs can be swayed by emotion rather than reason. I am not advocating for alternatives to democracy but rather acknowledging that the system, like any other, has its flaws. What I view as effective leadership may differ entirely from your perspective because our needs are not the same.

It is worth noting that this election was largely peaceful, though I did hear of a few concerning incidents involving ballot boxes. To strengthen transparency and fairness in future elections, I would recommend:

• Colour-coded ballot papers to help voters clearly identify their choice

• Digital counters with bar-coded ballots to ensure accuracy

• Verification that the number of ballots counted aligns precisely with the number of voters recorded

• A publicly accessible dashboard showing how taxpayer funds are allocated and spent in each constituency, personal funds used should also be noted.

This election represented a clash between microeconomic and macroeconomic priorities. The Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) fought hard for a third term, balancing macroeconomic discipline with some populist measures. Whether this will extend to a fourth term remains uncertain despite their stewardship of the economy.

For the People’s National Party (PNP), the challenge now is to rebuild a more formidable team, one that blends the eloquence and diplomacy of Kamina Johnson Smith, the numerical acumen of Nigel Clarke, and the negotiating skill of Edmund Bartlett.

Ultimately, what makes me proud is not partisan loyalty, but the calibre of Jamaicans — on both sides — who continue to demonstrate leadership, resilience, and vision for our country.

Damion Williams

damionewilliams@gmail.com