Letter of the Day | Jamaica Debates Commission should revise criteria for participation

Published:Monday | December 20, 2021 | 12:06 AM

 

THE EDITOR, Madam:

Allowing for differing views and opinion on policy to contend is a critical tenant of democracy, yet the Jamaica Debates Commission’s (JDC) current set-up seems to be ignoring the opinion of our newest political parties and those that identify with their ideology.

In May 2017, the Jamaican Parliament, in its wisdom, approved the Political Parties Registration Regulations. This move was to provide for greater transparency and accountability. This also solidified these organisations as part of the democratic and electoral processes in a way that they never did before. This registration includes providing organisational structures, gaining signatures, and other details.

Only four political parties have so far registered: the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) and People’s National Party (PNP), along with two newer parties– the United Independents’ Congress (UIC) and the Jamaica Progressive Party (JPP).

On November 4, the JDC conducted a signing of a memorandum of understanding that saw the PNP and JLP commit to being a part of the organised debates ahead of the local government elections. The exclusion of the JPP and UIC, which are considered ‘third parties’, on the surface may not seem like much, but this should call into question the legitimacy of the election debates.

These third parties are representing concerns not expressed by the establishment options. This was clearly displayed by the UIC’s attempted march on Gordon House this summer.

 

DEBATE MANUAL
The JDC’s debate manual that outlines requirements for political party participation in debates, says it cannot be the role of the JDC to provide a platform for political parties to attract national attention; in the same breath outlining the hurdles that would limit a third party’s chances in elections. The manual also outlines having public support and the ability to form government (fielding candidates and providing policy) as criteria

With general election turnout dipping below 50 per cent, and local government elections trending even lower, it is almost certain to say that no political party has gained the confidence of the majority of eligible voters.

It must be suggested that the current JDC manual and format is outdated, given the legislative updates and the electoral/political realities.

The commission should re-evaluate the necessity to rigorously gatekeep participation, when the limited opinions of the two-party system has clearly not worked well for the people of Jamaica.

MARIO BOOTHE
Youth & Governance Advocate

 

Published on Jamaica Gleaner (https://jamaica-gleaner.com)
Source URL: https://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/letters/20211220/letter-day-jamaica-debates-commission-should-revise-criteria-participation