Mario Boothe
Youth
& Governance Advocate
Allowing
for differing views and opinion on policy to contend is a critical tenant of
democracy, yet the Jamaica Debates Commission (JDC) current setup seems to be
ignoring the opinion of our newest political parties and those that identify
with their ideology.JDC Logo
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 organizations as part of the democratic and electoral
processes in a way they never did before. This registration includes providing
organizational structures, gaining signatures and other details.
Only four (4) political parties have so far registered, the
Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) and People’s National Party (PNP) along with 2 newer
parties including the United Independents’ Congress (UIC) and the Jamaica
Progressive Party (JPP).
On
November 4th, 2021, the JDC conducted a signing of a MOU that saw
the PNP and JLP commit to being a part of the organized debates ahead of the
Local Government elections. The exclusion of the JPP and UIC, that 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.
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 same breath outlining the
hurdles that would limit third party chances in elections. The manual also
outlines having public support and ability to form government (fielding
candidates and providing policy) as criterion.
With
General Election turnout dipping below fifty percent of recent, and Local
Government elections trending even lower, it is almost certain to say that no
political party has gained the confidence of 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suggested that the current JDC manual and format is outdated given the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 as a national effort by the media and private sector is excellent,
but it should revaluate the necessity to rigorously gatekeep participation,
when the limited opinions of the 2-party system has clearly not worked well for
the people of Jamaica.
