PNP Swimming In a Diluted Solution Of Democracy

It would seem that the Opposition Peoples National Party (PNP) is now a party operating in a
(explain or simplify [pseudo]) diluted democracy and political maturity is on the decline. Before
our very eyes the PNP is growing into a monster characterised by anti-democratic forces, a clear
shift away from being that incubator that nurtures its members political competence through
democratic practices as it were in the past.
Before Peter Phillips gave signal from as early as May of 2015 that an election was imminent,
one got the impression that the PNP was picture perfect and without fault. Little did we know
that the party, known for its rich (democratic) culture and vibrancy, was quietly behind the
scenes (unraveling) undoing itself mainly due to the collapse in leadership at all levels. (as we
have - consider deleting)
As with all political parties, conflicts are unavoidable and there are always completing interests.
However, the true measure of a political partys strength and resilience is its ability to resolve
those maladies democratically, while maintaining stability. The simple concept that concerns this
issue is the one that states that when political parties are democratic and stable, so will the
country. Therefore, the culture of free and fair elections must be entrenched and promoted within
not only the (country at large) (but also in the) PNP, (and any other) but in all political parties
seeking public support (for that matter). A party that cannot have internal democracy cannot lead
the country democratically, because it cannot give what it does not have.
The PNP, now bereft of intellectual vigor, oomph and purpose, has for years has been strolling
along, failing to involve new blood in its operations. The data as presented by presidential
hopeful Peter Bunting show that the PNP, for over eight (8) years, has not had an internal
election, and therein lies the problem. Democracy a (hallmark of) philosophy and tool used in
mature politics has become foreign to the PNP. So foreign is the concept of democracy (that)
the party has lost confidence in its ability to (utilise) engage the tool (and) as well its knack to
properly manage itself as we have been accustomed to. This kind of socio-political restriction is
poisonous and has resulted in the party wrangling.
How can Peter Bunting aspire to ascend to the highest elected office in the party and (yet) is
afraid to take the challenge to Portia Simpson Miller? Political leadership in any serious
democracy oftentimes mean that one has to flex their political muscles, and Buntings reticence
to unambiguously make it known that he is challenging for leadership, whether or not Simpson
Miller chooses to hold on, makes him appear weak, and Comrades must take notice. In fact, his
copout in saying that Simpson Miller should determine her own timeline for exit is further
indication of Buntings invertebracy and (thus) might not be the man for the job.
It is quite curious that that the Member of Parliament for South East St Ann (South Eastern) Lisa
Hanna has been parading as the figure leading the charge for the PNP (to) for renew itself, yet
she has not been bold enough and, I dare say, honest enough to say to Portia Simpson Miller that
her time at the helm of the PNP was disastrous and it is (now) not time to go. She hasnt done
that. She has instead attacked the second-tier leadership of the party and the general secretary. If

Miss Hanna wants to parade with some degree of credibility, then she must be bold enough to
not only call for renewal in certain quarters of the party, but in all quarters.
As many suspected, Hanna will be offering herself to be elected as a vice-president of the PNP.
However, in making the announcement, Hanna wrote, I want to help build a party that is more
accountable and transparent to the delegates and people of Jamaica and uses modern
management principles. I want to build a party that practises a build-up politics, rather than a
tear down, cut throat, stab you in the back politics. Is Miss Hanna on to something?
Fitz Jackson, the fair and level-headed MP from South St Catherine (Southern), is interested in
becoming chairman of the PNP, but has declared he will not challenge Bobby. Why? There isnt
any shame in mounting a challenge and perhaps losing. Ask Peter Phillips about that journey. It
certainly didnt make him less of a Comrade nor did it greatly affect his ability to function within
the ranks of the party.
All of these instances of one foot in and one foot out is symptomatic of the poisonous culture
developing within the PNP. They are all afraid to declare outright that they are challenging the
gentry of the PNP, fearing that they will be victimised, abused, and quite possibly be seen as
anti-Comrade or advancing the labourisation agenda of the PNP as one tarnished character
has put it. Pernicious as it is, that culture must be fought and eroded because it stifles the
development of the party, its members and the country.
The party needs to engage serious and effective party reform initiatives aimed at avoiding
stagnation, regaining legitimacy, improving (the) internal functioning of the party, and enhancing
its survival both in and outside government. Perhaps it should consider to step in the realm of
having primaries before local and general elections, and set consecutive terms limits for its
officers.