Let there be Peace!

This is our last weekend issue before the BIG DAY- polling day on November 27. Thus far the political campaign has progressed smoothly despite the customary “bad john” postures of some leading politicians. Still, we approach the polls in a very volatile political situation. Never have the stakes been so high as in the present situation with the Opposition desperate to atone for five successive failures and the Prime Minister pulling out all the stops to protect his formidable reputation.

The people of St Vincent and the Grenadines have endured turbulent times in respect of the holding of elections and the maintenance of peace during those times. For this we deserve maximum congratulations, for there have been elements trying to push us in another direction. Fortunately, we have been able to find peaceful solutions to post-election disputes and that experience should serve us well next week. Yet in such potentially violent situations one never knows. One dangerous rumour especially during the frustrating process of the vote tally and release of official figures can upset the apple cart and lead to a breakdown of peace. In this modern communication age, there is massive scope for fuelling fire by the spread of rumours. Thus far there appears to be the exhibition of healthy respect for the official election machinery headed by the Supervisor of Elections.

For this we offer our congratulations to the hard work and dedication of the Supervisor and her team, but we must also congratulate both contesting parties for restraint and cooperation thus far. This should augur well for a peaceful resolution of the electoral contest. One observation that we can make even at this time is that it may be in the best interests of all that we seek to get greater “buy-in” for the work of the National Monitoring and Consultative Mechanism- notwithstanding its intervention in any electoral breaches of the Code of Conduct during the election season is solely through moral suasion.

Headed traditionally by the Christian Council, we need to consider how we can enhance its status as a critical part of our election machinery. Even as we welcome their efforts, we are aware of the limitations and must seek ways of obtaining greater public support for and endorsement of those efforts. Still, in the circumstances we encourage the Committee and its members to continue to do their best, in an election season where tensions can spill over and become volatile. Amidst the generally positive atmosphere however, of major concern is the irresponsible remarks being made by leading figures on both sides of the political divide in the campaign. Also, both main political parties have signed the Elections Code of Conduct pledging to adhere to its many clauses- including not defacing nor destroying signage (billboards, posters etc). That message is hardly being heard at the multitude of political meetings being conducted, even as evidence of the destruction of party posters is clearly visible glaringly, in the capital.

Election Day, especially during the counting of votes, is fraught with dangers and very susceptible to rumours. Sometimes unexplained delays in the release of results from the counting of votes arouse suspicions and conclusions of foul play. Particularly in these circumstances there is need for calm patience and the observation of procedures. It will be a great boon to peace and stability if politicians were to encourage their foot soldiers to stay at home and allow them and their legal teams to try and resolve any difficulties according to law and peaceful principles. Unfortunately, there have been appeals by leading persons in both parties for supporters to take to the streets on election night during the counting of votes. Maybe this year can be an exception to what traditionally is the case particularly among supporters of the victorious party.

In this era of smart phones, there can be great danger of persons within crowds armed with these gadgets and susceptible to all kinds of rumours taking actions which may lead to the breakdown of law and order.

So why are supposedly “responsible” political leaders encouraging people to take actions which are fraught with such danger? In the interest of public order and peace, even as we call our citizens to carry out their civic responsibility, we urge them to reject such exhortations. There will be more than enough time on November 28 and beyond for victory celebrations and, if necessary, legal actions to address any perceived or real defects. Let us ensure another demonstration of our reputation for tolerance and peace. On November 27, 2025, as we go to the polls and thereafter-

LET THERE BE PEACE!