Elections and Independence Celebrations: Not a good mix

National independence celebrations in any country are by their very nature supposed to be unifying and all- encompassing. They signify national achievement in which national pride is manifested and hence require non-partisanship and the unified involvement of the people of whichever country is celebrating. Religious, localised or political differences take second place to patriotism on such occasions as the main focus is country above. By contrast, general elections especially when party-based as is the model we have been bequeathed, are by their very nature competitive and divisive to the extent that in many countries they are soiled by intense rivalry which often leads to strife and violence. While not as bad as in many other countries, St Vincent and the Grenadines is no stranger to such division and there have been occasions where lives have been lost in the process, fortunately not on a large scale here.

Logical thinking would therefore lead one to the conclusion that these two important political expressions should be kept apart. It would mean that our national independence celebrations should be focused on the achievement of our people and country, irrespective of the political colouration of the party in power. Pride in “being Vincy” takes centre stage and one’s neighbour must not be looked at as a PPP or Labour, NDP or ULP, but as a proud Vincy with whom we have much in common.

In the Vincentian experience, much as we love our country, that idyllic separation of these two important events in our life no longer exists, whether by chance or choice. Increasingly, December seems to be the preferred choice of the incumbent administration, which has that prerogative. Three of the past four elections were held in the month of December, all within the post- independence six-week range. The sole exception, 2015, was, where independence is concerned, even closer, being held on November 5, 2015, just eight days after the date of our National Independence. The governing party has won all these elections and, following the slogan, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”, it appears that we will be sticking to a similar timetable this year.

While constitutionally, the government, the Prime Minister in particular, is entitled to such a choice, as citizens, shouldn’t we be asking ourselves whether, given the proximity of Independence to Christmas, it is the best choice, for patriotic reasons?

Incidentally, Prime Minister Gonsalves should not be blamed for this situation. In fact, he had made a proposal that there should be a fixed time for elections,as the USA does, not leaving the date to the whims and fancies of the P.M. Unfortunately, most voters rejected his proposal in the Constitutional Referendum of 2009, leaving the process as it remains today. So, what is the problem, you may ask? The answer is contained in the opening two paragraphs, pointing out the contradictions between the unifying mood which ought to prevail for national independence, and the divisive nature of election campaigning. It affects both parties. The Opposition, desperately trying to unseat a five-time victor, cannot afford to be extolling independence or encouraging supporters to support the activities. All eyes are on the prize.

Similarly, as we are witnessing now that every opportunity is

seized by the government, the PM in particular, even on state occasions, to belittle the Opposition. We are plagued with division and disunity when we ought to be uniting under our Vincy banner. Even commercial firms sometimes buy into this separation, choosing not to decorate their premises for independence. Mind you, this does

not just pertain to supporters of the current opposition, for the

practice existed since the NDP was in power. It is,however

refreshing to see the efforts which have been made to decorate the capital in the Blue,Green and Gold, and similarly in several business enterprises.

It may be difficult for most of us with our respective political choices, to reflect impartially on it. However at least let us give some post-election thought to the matter, engage in national dialogue with a view towards moving in a different direction. Let us not choose division when the situation requires unity.