Call it apathy, indifference, lack of interest and concern, boredom or even civil irresponsibility, it means the same thing. That is when it comes to the way the general public, or more politically correct, the electorate, is responding to the official preparations for the soon-coming elections in Anguilla a year from now.
To be somewhat considerate of the situation, however, is it that the expected fever of the general district election, and the first at-large or island-wide voting on the island, by mid-2020, has not yet been caught across Anguilla? Visit one of the current public consultations on the Elections Bill 2019 and judge for yourself. The empty benches or chairs, or the wide unoccupied spaces and halls, speak for themselves.
It is a testament of the hard work, sacrifice, patience and commitment of officials in the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Elections Office as they painstakingly seek, in the late evenings, to inform the electorate about the election processes – and the people’s involvement – but only to be confronted by a glaring disinterest. Take, for example, the consultation at West End on Monday this week. Were it not for a few persons who journeyed some 12-14 miles from East End, as well as two visitors and one resident, already in West End, there would not have been any meeting whatsoever. A photograph in The Anguillian newspaper of the sparse attendance, like the echo of the emptiness in the huge classroom in the Alwyn Allison Primary School, would have been a mockery of the situation.
Yes, we are scolding. It is because there appears to be so little public response to the democratic process, and the opportunities being provided for a national consensus on such an important matter which will guide electioneering in Anguilla for the unforeseeable future. There may be a need to remind the public that the freedom and benefits of universal adult suffrage – voting in an election – was fought for with blood and tears by countless deprived persons in small and large democracies around the world and that, in some dictatorial countries, it is still a matter of many struggles today. There is a need to spread this message across the island that what we are playing careless with, others elsewhere are not so fortunate and are longing for.
What can be done to remedy this situation? For one, our radio talk show hosts, who dissuade and misinform our public on so many important issues, should take a lead in creating a better consciousness about the right to respond to the electioneering process and voting. Further, our community and church groups and leaders also have a grave responsibility to influence and guide our people. Above all, each citizen must exercise a sense of patriotism and pride when it comes to matters of national development and governance.
Another thing: Where are we in terms of voter registration? As a result of a slow response, over the past months, in particular, there are repeated calls from the Elections Office for persons to register to vote and to collect their identity registration cards well in advance of the elections.
The obvious reason is not to cluster and delay the voting process thus giving it a chance to be as flawless as possible. No one wants to stand in the bleaching sun for hours waiting to vote at the various polling stations. This is another important matter to consider and a call for the electorate to respond to as urgently as they can – and without constant urging.
We conclude, as we began, by calling on our people not to be so apathetic regarding our national election process, to display a sense of patriotism and pride, and to assist Anguilla in its governance efforts and machinery to take its rightful place in world society.
