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EDITORIAL - A job well done
Published in the Jamaica Gleaner : Wednesday | September 5, 2007
The election result has been extremely close but the people's verdict is clear. The Jamaica Labour Party has won our 15th general election. Despite the tragic acts of violence in certain constituencies, the general verdict has been that the elections were free and fair.
The Organisation of American States and various civic and professional organisations have heaped praise on the Electoral Commission for a job well done. We join them in this congratulation. The country should also express its appreciation to the Political Ombudsman, CAFFE and the many other citizens who served long hours in the election process. The fact that we have been able to conduct the process in such an impartial and efficient manner is a tribute to the managers of this process as well as to the vast majority of the citizens of Jamaica.
The People's National Party (PNP) is naturally disappointed at the outcome - particularly frustrating since the popular vote was so close. In this situation, the leader of the PNP, Mrs. Portia Simpson Miller, seems inclined to look around for others to blame for her loss. Dark hints are being thrown out aimed at casting doubt on the integrity of the Electoral Commission and the impartiality of the process. This is completely unacceptable and is a highly dangerous course of action on which to embark.
The integrity of the Electoral Commission is above suspicion. The entire Jamaican society recognises and accepts that it has an unchallengeable record of impartiality over many elections. In the past, when the outcome of elections favoured the PNP, no one raised questions of bias. Are we to take it that the commission is fair only when the outcome favours the PNP but unfair when the results do not?
In order for it to do its job the commission relies on the trust of the public. To shake people's faith in one of the institutional cornerstones of our democracy because one does not like the outcome of the electoral process is impermissible. It undermines the very democratic process itself.
Whatever issues Mrs. Simpson Miller has with the process must be raised after having formally conceded defeat and without impugning the institutional foundations of our democracy and the reputations of those who have selflessly served their country over many years.
Moreover, these challenges must be pursued strictly within the prescribed legal channels and in a sober and responsible manner. In the delicately balanced situation in which we are and with feelings running high on both sides, leaders must reflect carefully on the consequences of their words and actions and put the interests of Jamaica first. Petulant outbursts flung out in the heat of the disappointed moment are the very last thing we need. Reason and common sense must prevail.
We note too that sporadic gunfire Monday night and early yesterday morning in sections of the Corporate Area notwithstanding, most of the country seems to be settling back into the business of commerce and other concerns after the general election. This is how it should be. Despite the closeness of the results, there is no reason why we should go through prolonged episodes of tension and disquiet after an election.
The opinions on this page, except for the above, do not necessarily reflect the views of The Gleaner. To respond to a Gleaner editorial, email us: editor@gleanerjm.com or fax: 922-6223. Responses should be no longer than 400 words. Not all responses will be published.
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