My thoughts on…the 2007 general election
September 4th 2007 -
Before I begin, let me apologize for being away for so long. Reason? Two words: Registry…edit. So my computer should be up sometime this week.
Yes, the general elections are finally over. And it seems that Jamaicans were indeed dying for a change, as the People’s National Party was defeated by the Jamaica Labour Party yesterday, cutting short the PNP’s unprecedented reign of 18 years. It was tight, with the JLP winning 31 out of the 60 seats, and because of this (or more likely unwillingness to accept defeat), the PM has asked for a recount.
It’s time for her to stop acting as if victory is hers. We all know that if a leader doubts himself, then his followers will doubt him, but what’s done is done, and no false confidence will change that. Plus I doubt that the “irregularities” are numerous enough to cause the PNP to regain power. I say just lose with dignity. This must be a huge blow to her ego. Ever realize that since she rose to power as leader of the PNP, she only refers to herself in the third person?
Mrs. “Chosen Leader,” no party stays in power forever. That’s what democracy was created to prevent. Defeat is inevitable. I’m sure she knew that, but I guess she was worried how it would look if the PNP lost under her administration. Many in her camp were not convinced that she was competent enough to be PM, and she was probably worried that a loss would prove them right.
I could tell that this was coming. In the days approaching the elections, the JLP’s popularity exceeded the PNP’s, due to their superior ads and performance on the national debate. Comrades would nervously mumble under their breath about their coming victory, while Labourites would confidently shout of theirs from the heavens. People young and old were eager “to change course.” Plus I was an election day worker, so I saw the events firsthand.
Though the area where I worked was a JLP stronghold, it was obvious from the overwhelming JLP turnout their candidate was going to win, later confirmed by the counting of ballots. People even carried the old, too old to see or walk let alone write to vote. If this is the kind of zeal they have for their party, I said to myself, then this election should be one of the closest in history. And it was. Walker, Election Ranger called three constituencies “closer than razor thin.” But for the moment, there has been a change in government. A long overdue one. Mr. Golding and team, your move.
bobby Says:
September 4th, 2007 at 5:15 pm
Leon, how she bitter so, geeesh it would rally be nice if she can about face and do the right thing by the country. Concede defeat “for now” and use the process to ensure that the defeat is a sound one. Lawks mi loose off her bad.
a hope bruce nuh mek mi hate him cause trust mi i will be one of his harshest critic
psssst i heard she had a likkle girlie spat with one of her comrades.
Jamaipanese Says:
September 4th, 2007 at 9:39 pm
hush sista P, a suh it guh
fiyah Says:
September 5th, 2007 at 4:52 pm
Well change is sometimes good I say and though I have supported PNP over the years mayhap they had gotten stagnant… Golding seems like a sharp pencil… so we shall see.
kami Says:
September 5th, 2007 at 8:35 pm
How the ram goat population? that ad always cracked me up
bobby Says:
September 5th, 2007 at 11:19 pm
It is now at 33-27 with a possible 34-26 to be decided by tomorrow …and the phinnish results continues