No. This headline has nothing to do with the popular American pastime Halloween, which is observed this time of the year on October 31 when children dressed in ghoulish costumes go from house to house exclaiming “trick or treat”. In this case, it has to do with politicians and their operatives going from house to house making all kinds of promises or presenting handouts to occupants in a bid to get their votes on election day.

Yes, Jamaica is now in what has been traditionally and with a great deal of cynicism called the “silly season”, in reference to the pre-election mode that the country is in now. Local government election are due by next February 2024 to be followed by the big one, the general election, which can be called at any time between now and 2025. And based on our electoral system, which, in many citizens’ opinion, is a highly dangerous and ridiculous practice, one man in the person of the prime minister and leader of the ruling party can call it or, as is said in popular parlance, “Fly di gate!”

If the results of the local government election are favourable to the party in power, then it is very likely that the people can expect an early general election. On the other hand, if the results prove to be more favourable to the Opposition party, then the country may be in for a long haul before that crucial date is announced. So, in real terms, both the ruling Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) and the Opposition People’s National Party (PNP) are now in full election mode, choosing candidates and busily beating the pavements on the hustings.

It is in this context that the “trick or treat” scenario is coming to the fore as many gullible constituents are being offered many treats while in other instances they may well be titillated by the many tricks in trade, which are also part and parcel of the whole process of election campaigning. The pity is that apart from the occasional prodding from the media, with respect to promises made and not kept, there are not enough checks and balances to hold elected representatives to the book.

That is why the need for constitutional reform is so crucial at this time, as matters relating to accountability and transparency must take centre stage, even as the nation moves towards becoming a full-fledged republic. Issues such as job descriptions for parliamentarians, the constituents’ right to recall a non-performing Member of Parliament who has “fooled up” the people, and impeachment, among other sanctions, must be written in the new constitution, inclusive of fixed election dates and term limits.

Of course, several of these treats have been promised in the past election cycles and Prime Minister Andrew Holness, in this context, is undoubtedly facing a serious credibility crisis with all well-thinking Jamaicans who have not allowed themselves to be blinded by narrow partisan perspectives and biases. Indeed, one albatross that still hangs around his neck is the promise he made on a campaign platform in western Jamaica that if he and his party were elected to govern this crime-ridden country, the citizens would be able to sleep with their windows and doors open (or words to that effect). Was that a trick or treat?

On the PNP side, it is likely to be more a case of the Mark Golding-led political movement focusing on the failures and unfulfilled promises of the Holness-led JLP. Indeed, it is no secret that in our political culture, apart from the diehard party supporters who follow their herd instincts and vote strictly along party lines, uncommitted voters and independent thinkers tend to vote out who they regard as non-performers, and at the same time vote in who they think may do a better job.

However, in this age of leader-centric politics coupled with a heavy dosage of misinformation and disinformation, thanks mainly to the social media phenomenon, the truth oftentimes becomes the main casualty and issues are put to the back burner. It is hoped, therefore, that when prospective candidates come around with their trick or treat posture, voters will demand that there are debates among the contenders and apart from the usual glossy manifestos which, in the final analysis, are more of the “politricks” game, they will be asked to present detailed plans of action to which they can be held accountable during their tenure in office.

Let’s face it, in this country, where Anancyism reigns supreme, citizens must begin to demand more of their elected representatives and insist that they are not taken for granted and only wooed at election time with “goodies” and “sweet mouth”. One major area of concern has to do with what former PNP president and Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller posited with respect to how a Government should relate to the people in a socio-economic environment fraught with many challenges — that of balancing the books while balancing people’s lives.

This JLP Administration is acutely aware of the fact that, while the macroeconomic indicators are very positive, the hand-to-mouth existence of many Jamaicans in addition to the many plights facing those who have to rely on their meagre salaries to survive have been negatively affecting the party’s electability. That is why just recently Prime Minister Holness has been begging the people to be patient, but this delayed prosperity syndrome is going to drive him and his party out of office because we are living in an age of immediate gratification, which, in essence, is what was promised by the “prosperity train”.

It is this winter of discontent coupled with the high level of corruption and the never-ending saga of multiple murders, not to mention the crass indiscipline and blatant lawlessness in the wider society, that are causing Jamaicans to look in the direction of the PNP, but are the Comrades ready? What are they bringing to the table? Trick or treat?

Jack Mandora is waiting to choose, or he may not choose either of the two, in which case we will once again end up with a minority Government. If so, it may well be business as usual.

God help Jamaica!

Lloyd B Smith has been involved full-time in Jamaica media for the past 48 years. He has also served as a Member of Parliament and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives. He hails from western Jamaica where he is popularly known as the Governor. Send comments to the Jamaica Observer or lbsmith4@gmail.com.