Some years ago we had expressed a wish that our politics would evolve and mature to the point at which substance and rational debate would take precedence over hype, buffoonery, and political theatre.

We are not quite at that point yet, but we are extremely encouraged by the manner in which both major political parties conducted their campaign for the September 3, 2025 General Election.

True, some of the harlequinade and bitterness that have defined political behaviour in this country for decades came to the fore in the recent campaign. However, in large measure, what the parties presented to the electorate were plans they had for the country’s continued development and — in the case of the ruling Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) — an outline of achievements, a resume of sorts, to convince voters to keep the party in Government.

There are some people who sought to belittle the JLP’s focus on its achievements, describing it as a poor strategy. But political parties in office that are unable to campaign on their record should not even attempt to compete in the first place. For what else are they in power for than to govern in the best interest of the country and its people and, in keeping with the requirements of our constitution, every five years they should present a report card to us, their employers. And, if any party believes that it has achieved the objectives that got it elected it would be foolish of that party to go into a political contest unarmed.

So this recent campaign saw a refreshing shift to achievements, issues, and policy proposals being presented to the populace via advertising in traditional and new media, as well as on the hustings.

Long may that continue and grow, because there is great need for an elevation of political discourse across the country as well as acceptance that democracy is best served when all views contend. Achieving that ideal would most certainly result in a significant decrease in physical conflict in the name of politics. In fact, we suspect it would also contribute to an increase in voter turnout, as electors who are properly informed would most likely exercise their franchise.

Both the JLP and the People’s National Party, we believe, have a golden opportunity to instil that thinking and behaviour among its supporters islandwide. So too do churches, community and civic groups, and educational institutions.

In times past, particularly in the 1960s through to the 1970s, political education was regarded as important to the country’s development. Somewhere along that journey the focus shifted to political indoctrination, which, it could be argued, played a role in the apathy for governance and partisan behaviour we are seeing today.

However, there is no problem that cannot be corrected. What is needed is the will to resolve what’s wrong, strengthened by national consensus and collaboration.

The largely sober campaign for the September 3 General Election shows that we can, if we put our minds and hearts to it, lift the manner in which we practise politics.

The new Parliament would do the country a great deed to lead on this matter.

Dare we hope.