THE EDITOR, Sir:
I HAVE heard whisperings of elections soon to be called and I wish to make an early suggestion to the Most Honourable Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller in the interest of our very beloved country.
Elections are a very costly undertaking, both from the operational aspects as well as the severe disruptions which accompany them. Invariably, crime and violence come into play and our tourism and other important industries become adversely affected. We have very pressing unanswered questions needing public input and qualified voters should be given the democratic right to make an input into these decisions.
I am therefore suggesting the following :
(a) Combine the Local Government and General Election into one single election exercise.
(b) Add a detachable section to the ballot papers for voters to answer yes or no to the following questions:
(1) Do you support the resumption of hanging or another method of execution for those who are sentenced to death?
(2) Do you support Jamaica's membership in the Caribbean Court of Justice as our final court?
(3) Do you support a fixed date for elections in Jamaica?
(4) Do you support term limits for Members of Parliament and Prime Ministers?
(5) Do you support changing the laws governing the National Housing Trust and the National Insurance Fund to redirect resources to other areas?
I am aware that many Jamaicans would find it difficult to complete the questionnaire/poll at the time of voting, so I suggest that the ballot number be inserted on that detachable portion and the voter be required to complete it within one week and return it in a self-addressed envelope to the electoral authorities for tallying and the findings be acted upon speedily.
This 'mini-referendum' of all participating voters in a dual election would lessen the tensions that now exist because of the uncertainties surrounding the above contentious issues and strengthen our democratic process immensely. Consider the tremendous savings - you need only to print the additional paper.
I am etc.,
WILBERT A. WITTER
wilmot_francis1@hotmail.com
Hughenden, Kingston 20
Via Go-Jamaica
