The Anguilla House of Assembly was dissolved on Wednesday this week by a Proclamation by the Governor, and the general election for a new government is just within a few weeks. The so-to-speak period of contract between the electorate and those who were given a mandate to represent and govern the people for five years is ended. Each man and woman, now vying for political office, stands on his or her own merit and ability to lead our emerging nation into this most challenging period to which we have come.

In the history of general elections in Anguilla, as a separate island, following its successful secession from St. Kitts-Nevis, this is the most hard-fought and crucial election ever to be held. In some cases there is much apathy among a number of people about voting for one reason or another. Quite wrongly, and denying themselves an opportunity to contribute to the constitutional process and national development, there are those who deliberately declined to even register their names. On the other hand, there are many who are anxious to vote, some having become qualified to cast their ballots for the first time. Voting is both a right and a privilege and it can also be an exciting experience. There are many people, around the world, deprived of the right to vote because of the undemocratic system of their regimes who would like to be in the position of Anguillians today!

This election in Anguilla is not a boat race, as someone described it recently. It is serious business. At issue, is the crying need to rejuvenate the failing economy, address the unemployment and invigorate the low purchasing power of our people. True, much depends on the state of the impacting global economy, but we need to be tactful and prudent to put in place mechanisms that would ensure that, in the face of the prevailing world recession, Anguilla can create a niche and shelter for itself and its people. It appears that there is general agreement on this and that each political grouping or independent candidate is fully conversant with the situation and has laid certain plans to arrive at solutions and progress albeit by different approaches.

This editorial will not be complete except a look is taken at the cosmetics surrounding the election campaign. It is like a carnival atmosphere at the road sides across the length and breath of Anguilla. Never before has there been such a display of impressive and expensive images of candidates in a general election. They have certainly made use of the modern and captivating technology to give colour and force to their campaigns. Another feature adopted by all parties and independents, is the live broadcasting of public meetings, a thing unheard of in past elections. It is in fact a good way to reach the masses whose presence at gatherings has sharply declined with many people preferring to remain in the safety and comfort of their homes and listen to the broadcasts. This is not any indication of fear of political or other forms of violence. It is just part of the changing scenarios and way of life in Anguilla.

There is of course a lot of rhetoric and name-calling on the platforms, something that really does not add much to what are the real issues confronting our people. It is many weeks now since the campaigning has been in progress and yet no written and published manifestos have appeared. Like any building project, there is a need for some blueprint to help shape the building of the economy, and the lives of our people, and to see in the future how that plan or model has been followed and succeeded. With the dissolution of the House of Assembly, it is hoped that a government will emerge that will truly represent the wishes and fulfill the needs of our people.

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