PNP's Mitchell calls for supporters to reject political tribalism

 

People's National Party caretaker candidate for Central Manchester and Mayor of Mandeville, Donovan Mitchell, is urging supporters to reject political provocation following the destruction of Jamaica Labour Party campaign material in the constituency.

 

The MP aspirant, who distanced himself and the PNP's campaign from the action, called for supporters to leave behind the dark days of political tribalism.

 

A 17-second video seen by Radio Jamaica News, laced with expletives, captured the burning of JLP paraphernalia, including a poster with Member of Parliament Rhoda Moy Crawford's name.

 

The incident, believed to have occurred Sunday, is part of a wave of politically charged acts and fiery displays of defiance and allegiance across several constituencies as campaign activities intensify.

 

Mr. Mitchell said electors should be allowed to freely display their political preferences without intimidation. 

 

"We have to lift the standard of the campaign. We're not going back to the old days of this political intimidation where people become afraid. This is not what Jamaica needs at this time. So I'm calling on the persons who are purportedly...my supporters to desist from doing so. We will lift the standard of the campaign with decency, discipline and the decorum. This is not what the democratic process is about, and I'm appealing to all Jamaicans in Central Manchester - we're used to a politics where everyone is seen as supporting someone but everyone is one family," he pleaded.