Jamaica Votes

Nominations are done and dusted, three debates completed and manifestos unveiled (Links for Manifestos Below).  The election machines are now rolling towards poll day on December 29th and the campaigns are charged for a "SEVEN DAY WONDER". Meanwhile, the polls are opened today for the police, military and election day workers.

Amidst all the hype and excitement many often forget about this part of the elections. This is provided for through the representation of the peoples act, which we referenced in an earlier story (What we didn't know about the Jamaica Election Date).  Under the act, provision is made for military and police personnel, as well as election-day workers, to vote three clear days (excluding Sundays and public holidays) before civilians to ensure that they are available for duty on election day.

THE REPRESENTATION OF THE PEOPLES ACT

Open publication - Free publishing

A total of 25,396 election-day workers, 8,211 police and 2,098 soldiers are expected to vote today in 225 locations across the island.  They will vote between 8:00 am and 4:00 pm

According to a press release from the Jamaica Defense Force, the national reserves have been called out for a 12-day period starting yesterday (December 21st).  Therefore the members (National Reserves) of the Third Battalion Jamaica Regiment, the Air Wing and Coast Guard are on duty throughout this period ending on January 1, 2012. 

While the public weigh in on the debates, the opinion polls and the campaign ads, we get the feeling that the traditional vote will be more or less unchanged as the turnout will be optimal.  The election will be won or lost on a slim 10% first time or uncommitted voters.  

The debates were in general unimpressive but not surprising given the format and constraints.  That said, we expect better of our leaders who we give our confidence and trust to do our business.  For that we propose that debating be an essential part of our school curriculum going forward.  We need to, as a people be able to articulate our intentions and vision especially in a challenging global context. 

The polls are fine within their margins of error but whether it will translate to the actual poll is yet to be seen.  While a tie is unlikely we could see an almost dead heat and god forbid re-counts and legal ramblings delaying the process even further.  

As it relates to the political advertisements we see the usual craftiness on both sides with a few substantial messages interspersed.  I believe the Ads will have little impact if any, except in the pockets of the media.

There could be a few surprises in marginal seats with the momentum on the side who best capitalize on what we call the "SEVEN DAY WONDER" - the seven days leading up to general elections. 

 

Again I appeal to all Jamaicans to "PUT JAMAICA FIRST".  We only destroy our country when we fight each other.

"Our opinions or our choices should not isolate us or divide us. Not when we all want the same thing - To see Jamaica rise to prosperity" OJB

Manifestos:Source (Jamaica Observer)

PNP MANIFESTO 2011                JLP MANIFESTO 2011