Dr. D.K. Duncan
IF SANITY prevails, the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) will hold elections for a new leader on Saturday, November 6, 2004. If the elections are allowed to be held, a new leader will be elected. If a new leader is elected, most political commentators, analysts and observers expect Senator Bruce Golding to be the overwhelming choice of some 4,600 party delegates at the 'election' conference.
If there are no elections on Saturday as a result of an injunction sought by elements in the JLP, and assuming this injunction is granted by the courts, the most important consequence would be a fifth consecutive term for the People's National Party (PNP). This would make the ruling PNP the primary beneficiary of the political insanity which now prevails in sections of the perennial opposition party the JLP.
CYNICISM
Any astute political observer could justifiably argue the right to be cynical about the latest developments in the JLP. In the aftermath of Hurricane Ivan, spokespersons for the Pearnel Charles leadership campaign were extremely vocal in their call for the postponing of the November 6 conference. The call was made ostensibly on compassionate grounds. Paid public radio advertisements were placed casting doubts on Bruce Golding's sincerity and compassion. Now that the hurricane recovery process is proceeding successfully, this ground for postponement no longer holds water.
Up to the time of writing this article (31/10/04), the most recent threat of a court injunction seems designed to manipulate the judicial process. The main purpose does not appear to be the integrity of the delegates list, but to ensure that the election of a JLP leader cannot take place on Saturday. This tactic will eventually be seen for what it is - a political smoke screen.
VOTERS LIST
The integrity of voters lists have traditionally been a source of contention in Jamaica's internal party elections as well as national elections. After many years of hard work by the Electoral Advisory Committee (EAC), the Electoral Office of Jamaica (EOJ) and the two major political parties, prodded by substantial agitation and pressure from the media, as well as civil society, the preparation and integrity of the national list is arguably the envy of the world. From present observations it is far superior to that of the United States.
The integrity of internal party lists have yet to measure up to that of the national list. This contentious issue comes into sharp relief when there are critical issues on which to vote - for example in the case of the PNP the election of the party president and vice-presidents and in the JLP, party leader and deputy leaders.
ELECTIONS
The JLP has never had a contested election for a new party leader. The Golding/Charles contest is the first serious one in its 61-year history. However, especially over the last 12 years, elections for the posts of deputy leaders have been contentious. None of these have been primarily over the voters list. Pearnel Charles was physically abused and ejected from the National Arena in 1992.
The 2003 conference witnessed a last-minute election intervention by the party leader as well as post-election charges of tainted money. Subsequently, in June of this year, outgoing leader, Edward Seaga, gave the JLP several months notice of his intention not to seek nomination at the November conference. Bruce Golding immediately became the leading contender to succeed him.
Pearnel Charles became the first candidate to be formally nominated followed by Golding. No other candidate can be nominated for the November 6 conference, including the present leader. However, if there is no conference this weekend Edward Seaga continues to be the de jure leader of the party as well as the constitutional Leader of the Opposition. Golding continues to be chairman. The status quo remains intact. To be generous - a most untidy state of affairs.
The climate for continued fractiousness, divisiveness and uncertainty, brought about by this temporary political insanity would be a sure recipe for political suicide by the JLP. One love, one heart.
A dental surgeon, Dr. D.K. Duncan is a former Cabinet minister and general secretary in the PNP administration of the '70s.
