EDITORIAL

Keep elections peaceful

“In ensuring a peaceful and successful election, the behaviour of politicians and party members is crucial.”

The above quote from author Michelle Fafa Agbenorto points out the obvious, but at this time of year when the nation of Barbados is in full election mode, these few, but critical words, need much emphasis.

We are into the final leg of what has become certainly an interesting election period, which is set to climax on Thursday, May 24, as Barbadians go to the polls to vote for the government they desire to manage the affairs of this nation, for the next five years. When it comes to the topic of “election-related violence”, we can certainly say, “so far, so good”. However, we want to ensure that at all costs, we keep elections peaceful as we have done for so many years, as we do not want violence in any form or fashion, to mar this General Election.

We have had a few incidents of alleged “vandalism” in some constituencies, where it has been noted that supporters of some parties have taken the opportunity to vandalise materials and infrastructure being used for campaign purposes. This action has been denounced by those who have become the victims of such acts. Some candidates have meanwhile hinted that they have had to try to quell what could become “a volatile situation”, since a number of youthful supporters of the offended party, at times stand ready to do battle with those they see as causing a problem in their constituency. However, we all agree that violence begets violence and as such, persons should let the Royal Barbados Police Force handle any matters they deem as illegal or troublesome, rather than getting themselves in hot water.

As we go into the last few days before the election, we meanwhile want to see leaders of the various parties and candidates as well, reminding their supporters that this is a Democratic Society and persons have the right to show their support for their preferred party, without any two sides clashing or coming to blows over political matters, or worse. We certainly do not want any blood shed before, during, or after the election.
As author Michelle Fafa Agbenorto points out, “Free fair and peaceful elections is not hinged on just one person or political party alone working to ensure peace, but on a group of individuals and all the stake-holding mass with one goal of working to ensure a peaceful process before, during and after the elections. It (just takes) the collective effort and activity of an evil minority group or individual to mess up the fine process, because of the ulterior and selfish motives they have.”

That said, a reminder must be issued that political or public office is about the altruistic service and welfare to the nation and the voting population. It’s an oath made to God and man to be upright and diligent in managing the resources and assets of the nation efficiently and effectively for uttermost national benefit. As Agbenorto notes, “Understanding this basic principle is the most essential foundation to put down before embarking on seeking the mandate of the people through peaceful, transparent, free and fair elections.”

Also take note that, as she writes, “Winning elections into public office is not a desperate task, nor is it winning power by any means necessary. It is not about smear campaigning, character assassination or inciting one group… against another, just to score cheap political points. It is not about using hate speech or indecent language. It is a contest of ideas, battle of winning majority votes of the hearts and minds of the people, the selling of feasible policies and programmes for bettering the lives of the electorate.”

Barbados Advocate

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