Voter apathy resulted in PNP wins

Dear Editor,

Much is being said about the Jamaica Labour Party and polls. But what does it mean these days?

Here are the facts for the past 31 years between 1980 and 2011. Seven real elections have been held.

Election year Voter Turnout Winning Party

1980 86% JLP

1983 PNP boycott JLP

1989 77% PNP

1993 67% PNP

1997 65% PNP

2002 59% PNP

2007 61% JLP

2011 53% PNP

Average Voter turnout: 66%

Average Voter turnout when PNP won 5 elections: 64%

 

Average Voter turnout when JLP won 2 elections: 74%

So factually, low voter turnout has proven to be in the PNP's favour.

Political leaders must remember that voters in whatever economic class all have one vote each. And the majority is what counts on election day across all 63 constituencies. Leadership maturity and wisdom will be key in the next election. The JLP's ability to significantly increase voter turnout across all the economic and social classes will be very important in the next general election in 2016. Look for the return of Christopher Tufton to help this strategy.

For the PNP, look for the continued grass-roots engagements. Especially in the less than 35 age group. The party that can register and mobilise this age group to the polls will win. Hence, the use of mobile phones and mobile platform devices will be critical in the next general election. We saw the effective use of mobile platforms in both Obama election victories. The electorate in 2016 will be far more informed about the issues and challenges facing our country. To assume otherwise would be politically arrogant and unwise.

May God continue to bless our country and inspire our leaders to say and do the right things to build a better and safer Jamaica for all.

Lennox Parkins, MBA, PMP, CPA, CMA

Toronto, Canada

allan_parks@yahoo.com

Voter apathy resulted in PNP wins

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