PLAIN TALK: JOMO THOMAS

A RE-POST

PLAIN TALK: JOMO THOMAS

2015 Elections: Winners, Losers And Lessons

It is now two weeks since decision 2015. The ULP retained control of the government.

Gonsalves proudly sits as one of the rare breed of politicians elected to serve as PM for at least four 5-year terms. Although the NDP cried foul and filed an elections petition in the court, evidence that the whole fraud charge was nothing more than a tempest in a teapot, can be gleaned from the fact that Eustace, who initially said that the opposition will not take up the 7 seats it won, has changed his mind, and will take the oath of office when the parliament meets next Tuesday.

The biggest loser of the December 9th poll was the opposition New Democratic Party (NDP). Not only has it lost 4 in a row, but the party will have to go all the way back to 1998 to list an election where it won the popular vote. This fact represents a big failure, and exposes the weaknesses in the party strategy and tactics, particularly around the fundamental issue of messaging.

There is no bigger loser than Arnhim Eustace. He was handpicked by party founder, James Mitchell, who has more than once expressed profound regret with his choice, and disappointment with Eustace’s performance as leader. Eustace and most of his followers must also be disheartened over this most recent loss. He is now at the end of his political career, and has nothing to show for his days in politics, apart from a string of narrow victories in East Kingstown. Signs that his end was near can be seen from the performance of Luke Browne, the star of the 2015 elections, who lost by a mere 145 votes.

Therefore, it is beyond belief that Eustace shamelessly continues to hold on to the leadership of the party. Worse, it is mind boggling that no one in the party hierarchy has demanded that Eustace give up control of the party before they are sworn in. A new leader would have a big say in who the 2 new senators will be. The fact that no one has come forward indicates a crisis of leadership in that party. A failed and aging leader refuses to step aside, and those below him are too timid to step forward and demand change. Small wonder they could not get change in the country because they do not have the political skill and persuasive power to engineer change within their own ranks.
For the sake of our polity sections of civil society sympathetic to the NDP or for the love of the country and our political democracy, we must let Eustace and the entire NDP leadership know that the party requires a major shake-up if it is to be seriously considered as a major political player in our country. St Clair Leacock’s call for fresh legs, immediately after the 2010 elections, takes on an even greater urgency.

Another loser is Dr Linton Lewis, who was soundly beaten by the newcomer Camillo Gonsalves. Gonsalves’ success was no mystery to keen observers, but must have been a shocker to NDP pundits and supporters, who are fed a constant diet of diatribe. Dr Lewis, known as the 2,3,4 man because he was beaten four times by three different politicians in 2 constituencies, is dead on arrival and must kiss his ambition to lead SVG good bye. Lewis had a multiplicity of problems which should not have haunted such a self-made and accomplished national, but his biggest problem was his haughty, puffed up attitude. Ole people will say he was ‘fart frightened.’ And that was his undoing.

Another big NDP loser was Dr Ferdinand. Accomplished in business and academia, many saw him as a potential leader of the NDP and future PM. But at his age and with the margin of victory of Ces Mc Kie, Jules will have to call it George.

There are a number of big winners in the ULP camp. Camillo, Saboto, Gustaus and Jimmy consolidated ULP support in long time labour constituencies. And there are ULP winners even among those who did not win. Luke Browne and Carlos James are obvious picks. Even yours truly, considering all the hurdles and hoops over and through which we were forced to pass, came within striking distance, and put a scare in the NDP camp. The tremendous work done by Team Jomo garnered 2,620 and pushed us past the 2001 performance of Douglas Slater. With a little more strategic planning, focus intervention and tactical foresight, we could have easily gone past 3000 votes and turned South Leeward into a bastion of labour. ‘Nuff thing dey fo talk, but time nah dey’, the elders caution.

Even though the ULP vanquished the NDP again and registered a swing in the votes in every constituency except Central Kingstown, it cannot afford to gloat. There are serious flaws that a proper and dispassionate review must seek to redress. For the second election cycle, PM Gonsalves won by a cliff hanger. For the second time Central Leeward became the saving grace. Yet there is no evidence that a concerted effort was made to shore up ULP standing in that area. In fact, the entire government rested on the return of Sir Louis to active politics. His stature saved labour in the end.

In the end, the elections showed that, while the presence of the candidates on the ground is an important ingredient for success, the governing party must do more things that touch and concern the daily needs of the people. People must be offered real reasons as to why they should vote for a given party. An attractive or enlightened candidate may be insufficient.

There is also tangible evidence that handouts just before an elections might turn off and turn away from the polls strong party supporters who watch on as persons less in need, or many opposed to their party get assistance while they remain in dire need.

There are lessons to be drawn. Let’s see which of the parties really win the sweepstakes of 2015.

Send comments, criticisms & suggestions to jomosanga@gmail.com