Dear Editor,

“No betta herring, no betta barrel.’’ “Mi nuh ha no time fi dem!” These are but two of a number of negative statements many Jamaicans utter during election season.

What frequency do practically all Jamaicans and people universally tune in to? It is the crucial WII FM, What’s in it for me? And this may be the key reason for our low voter turnout in general and local elections.

Humans are driven by emotions and expectations. People naturally expect to reap rewards or benefits somehow from their choices and usually act in accordance with that which they think best suit their interests. It has been proven that because behaviour is benefit-based people will turn their attention to and keep it fixed on whatever they find stimulating, exciting, and rewarding.

How rewarding has it been for the electorate during decades of governance by our two major political parties? People often wonder: Are we governed in the interest of the majority or in the interest of the ruling political parties and the highly connected?

The primary purpose of Government in a democracy is the protection of life and liberty. But we have been plagued by a horrendously high homicide and crime rate for half a century. We live in the land of wood and water, and water is life. After air, water is the most essential to sustain life. But the lack of reliable water supply in both rural and urban areas has been one of our constant cries. The basic need for shelter (a place to call home) has long been a point of frustration for a large percentage of our population.

Many promises have been made and broken by the two major political parties when they are in Government and Opposition. It does appear the electorate has become jaded and frustrated by broken promises and unfulfilled dreams.

Do these realities encourage people to vote?

People will find or make time for the things for which they have the tolerance, interest, motivation, and enthusiasm. Enthusiasm correlates closely with expectations. It may bruise some egos, but it is indisputable. The low voter turnout of 48 and 38 per cent in the 2016 and 2020 general elections and 30 per cent in 2016 and 2024 local government elections clearly indicates that most Jamaicans do not have any tolerance, interest, motivation, and enthusiasm to vote in either general or local elections.

Daive R Facey

DR.Facey@gmail.com