By Charlotte
I’ve been looking on as the drama unfolds in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, particularly regarding matters of electoral concerns. The latest exchange between Leader of the Opposition, Dr. Godwin Friday and Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves is further evidence that only one side seems to be concerned about the issues raised. I have never heard the ULP complain about voter transfers, and other issues surrounding the electoral system. It has always been former Leader of the Opposition, Arnhim Eustace and the opposition New Democratic Party (NDP), and now Friday and the NDP. Why is that?
I am suggesting that the NDP stop playing victim, and rig it too. Here are some suggestions, based on few observations:
- Cut back on the amount spent on election jerseys and other paraphernalia. Use some of that savings to “bribe” too. Thousands of votes are up for grabs, and maybe they aren’t so expensive either. “3 for 10”, perhaps? Get in on the action. The lumber, galvanize and cement might be stale now. Figure out something else that will draw long lines to the giveaway.
- It’s also time to haggle over the agents too, inside agents; maybe even some of the “officers” too. Times are hard and people are strapped. It may not even take the highest bidder. Get in on the unsigned and unstamped ballot paper sweepstakes. Just don’t get caught on tape looking for agents. Use the other method; the one that is commonly used.
- Get in on the voter manipulation programme. Why can’t the Grenadines stronghold spare a few hundred transfers to Central Leeward? Maybe even Central Kingstown can spare some. There must be a boyfriend or girlfriend or offspring who can “legitimately” transfer. Do it during the last part of the special 15-day registration. They will never be able to verify them.
- Electronic copies of the FINAL list are sent to everyone. It can be modified. It’s easy to modify and print. No one will ever know the difference. You saw it in action in East Kingstown last election. Who had the correct list? By the time the confusion is settled, the day is over, and all would have already voted. All you need is a name on the list. Get with the programme and splice a few names in there.
Instead of complaining to deaf ears, get with the programme, NDP. Throw your wallet in the ring and take advantage of personal greed and the “broken system”. Rig it too.
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The opinions presented in this content belong to the author and may not necessarily reflect the perspectives or editorial stance of iWitness News. Opinion pieces can be submitted to [email protected].
What is good for the goose is even better for the gander. However, it shows how gullible some Vincentians are, this is why we get an undeserving government each election because we sell our franchise in exchange for material gains. A former politician coined the word breadfruit mentality to describe such syndrome or tendency to get value in exchange for nothing.
Who knows if this is good advice. I think the NDP is instead trying to show that they can win without the cheating. It is unfortunate that society in SVG accepts cheating as normal, that is why the ULP has been able to get away with it every election and those without integrity just love it!. Because I am friends with a “confidential” in the ULP it is also to note that they spend much time identifying key individuals in neighborhoods, families, etc… and they coax them into supporting the ULP because they know these people have much influence. These are the individuals they offer items, rewards and “favours”. The main two reasons why the NDP should not copy the cheating is because 1) they know there are at least some with integrity and would frown on cheating. 2) they do not have the money to cheat like the ULP. For every dollar the NDP gets in contributions the ULP gets hundreds; there are also ways the ULP can use taxpayer money to further the party. Not only the Taiwan Goverrnment but alll those houses in Mustique know the hand that feeds them and they pay the ULP generously, believe me!