If ever there is a time and feeling of national pandemonium, so to speak, in the social life of a country, or island state, it is during what is sometimes a most heated and protracted election period. Conversely, it is unfortunate that this is the case because free and fair elections for a government of one’s choosing are by far the most democratic expression of a people as far as governance is concerned. It is also one of the most sacred rights and privileges of a people not only since universal adult suffrage, but since the creation of mankind with a free mind, spirit and choice.

Voting for a government puts a people in the position of master of their destiny and those who aspire for office as their impending servants. Nothing is wrong with aggressive campaigning. What is wrong, frustrating and sometimes fearful, is when the various platforms become launching pads for bitter personal vendetta and abuse which strike hard at the root of peace, harmony and fair play. We are to be thankful that despite these obvious and perhaps worrisome trends in Anguilla, our people and party supporters are displaying excellent behaviour and maintaining a high degree of cordial relationships with each other notwithstanding their differing political views. Election violence, which is an ugly manifestation in some countries, near and far, is a curse to the free and open electoral process and must be forcefully condemned and put down wherever it manifests itself.

In tiny Anguilla, it is almost laughable that there are only just over 8,600 registered voters overall, consequently with much smaller numbers in each of the seven constituencies where the battle for election is raging. The comparison fades into insignificance alongside much larger election populations elsewhere, yet the smaller the country, the more intense the electioneering appears, so smallness of territory or electorate doesn’t really count. It is the importance of an election, the right to vote and its outcome that really matter in a tiny island nation, large country or metropolis.

There are many national issues in Anguilla which should be the real focus of the election campaign. One does not have to go into any kind of research to find them. They are there, ever present, awaiting ventilation and debate. Even school children can see them clearly and that is why the Albena Lake-Hodge Comprehensive School Literary and Debating Society took up the commendable challenge of introducing the present political debate series. It is a credit to the intelligence and national interest of the students, the future leaders of Anguilla; and it is a great pity that some parties and candidates have, for reasons best known to themselves, shown a reluctance to participate. It does not look good however whitewashed are the excuses.

The electoral process can best be served, respected and shown to be more meaningful by properly addressing the issues that affect our people and impinge the business, development and future of Anguilla. Most of the political deliveries on the platforms are in fact empty rhetoric, chaff and mere theatricals, blown away as dust by the wind. We need a campaign in which there is food for thought, the electorate is enlightened and persuaded to vote right and in the best interest of their island home. For God sake, spare us the agony of personal abuse and theatrical rhetoric.

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