The Editor, Sir:

Elections form a critical plank of any true democracy. We the people are charged with an important responsibility. The casting of our vote will affect our country, not only in the short-term, but also for the years to come. Remember that plans by the elected Government take years to take hold, for changes to be effected and for the results to be felt.

With this in mind, I am extremely disappointed when I see the folly being bantered about in the media when discussing the 'results' of polls. I resent the games that are being played with these polls. There is much hype during the week leading up to the Sunday paper where the 'results' are published. So much credibility is being bestowed on these results and I have to wonder why?

Didn't one of these same pollsters predict that Peter Phillips would win the PNP's presidential race? I do also remember a similar poll result fiasco in St. Lucia. Polls do not predict the future. The pollster is left to interpret the results of the poll. The spin placed on the results by the pollster can have disastrous effects. For example, when I looked at the figures from the poll between Trevor Munroe and Dr. St. Aubyn Bartlett, the results could have easily been interpreted the other way.

We as voters should be very careful when selecting what to believe.

I am, etc.,

DARA LINTON

deltrelawny@yahoo.com

Falmouth, Trelawny

Via Go-Jamaica