The Editor, Sir:

We are in a good place where our democratic tradition is concerned as the average Jamaican takes democracy so seriously that we do not vote for foolishness.

Some say that not to vote is giving up your right to vote. As a matter a fact, some who chose to vote denounce the same right and opinion of others who chose not to vote - so deep is our tribalism and our oft-expressed intolerance of each other's opinions and differences even over the simplest of things.

I am one of those who chose in the end not to vote. For me, choosing not to vote is a demonstration of my distaste of successive decades of political tribalism, irresponsible governance and corruption on both sides from 1962 until now. We all believe in something. I believe in participatory and transparent democracy; transformative politics, ethical and sound governance. I have never seen this in Jamaica.

I believe it is possible, so as a deliberate non-voter, giving away my vote would be complicity. Our ancestors fought long and hard for the right to vote. Why should I give it up so easily? In fairness and honourto them, I must ensure that my vote counts for something by voting for something. I have voted before. But this time around, I simply chose to exercise my right under the Representation of the People Act - to not vote. The low voter turnout - which I contributed to with my single withheld vote - sends a clear message: some people want more and are not willing just to swap 'black dog fi monkey'.

The preliminary results demonstrate that there is much to address in our democracy. Neither party could capture a landslide victory. The voter and the non-voter spoke loud and clear. Having such a balance in Government may now mean that each party representative will have to do more work in Parliament and for starters - turn up. It will force them to do what many of us have been asking for for years: accountability and credibility. Both parties do not really have a strong calibre of ministerial candidates and a few of suspicious integrity are still among us.

Collaborative governance

The fact that neither camp will be able to whitewash the other may force us to find ways of collaborative governance and representative politics. It is an opportunity to see the real character of Bruce Golding in power and if he really means what he says. It may even give Portia Simpson Miller and the PNP just enough time to reorganise the party plus rejuvenate the party with new membership to sensibly 'wheel and come again' in five years.

Finally, the results provide us with a wonderful opportunity to build peace and really reduce political tribalism that has so long marred our society and focus on a consensus-wide sustainable and transformative development. That will take time. For now, however, it appears to offer spaces for new faces, new ideas and political and societal reform in both substance and law. Maybe by then, as I decided this time around, not to vote, I may exercise my right and mind - to vote.

I am, etc.,

REBELKAH LAWRENCE

navelstring@post.com

Via Go-Jamaica