The Editor, Sir:

A whole generation of young people have matured into the right to vote under the same administration. Does the People's National Party (PNP) have a lot to be proud of when they look at this group of 18 and under?

This is my third election and for the first time, I am going to vote Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) even though I have no regard for the candidate in my constituency. This is not a vote for JLP, it's a vote against the PNP. They have been in power for far too long and have been too barefaced with corruption, mismanagement and ineffectiveness.

That said though, let me congra-tulate the PNP ahead of its victory. I believe it will and must win. Why? It has too much at stake. I recently commented to a friend that I admired the vim and vigour of the politicians on both sides, who, despite their mostly old ages, are campaigning with much fervour. But the response I got from a friend was, 'that's not passion, that's desperation'. She pointed out that, because on both sides, there are so many seniors and near seniors, a lot was at stake. For the JLP, the pursuit of glory and one last taste of victory before age or death forces its members to stand down. For the PNP, the pursuit of a fat pension. As such, all stops will be pulled to win the election.

And on a final note, all this pontificating on manifestos and debates has little to do with the outcome. It's the masses, who decide, the throngs who 'born and grow' in support of the PNP or JLP. The many who have been brainwashed or forced into a garrison mindset that does not equate the right to vote with the right to choose.

I am, etc.,

ROHANE RIGUER

Kingston 8