Voting in Barbados is a civic duty and a right. In fact, it is a right that the forefathers of Barbados fought tirelessly for many years ago. There was a time when Black people in Barbados could not vote, and the opportunity to do so now should be guarded and treated with the utmost dignity and respect. “Voting is the expression of our commitment to ourselves, one another, this country, and this world.” – Sharon Salzberg.
Unequivocally, there is power in voting, and it facilitates the notion of bringing about community change and upliftment. Voting means standing up and being counted for the issues Barbadians care about. When Barbadians vote, they play a significant role in choosing their representative to serve. On election day, that sense of pride in going to the polls to vote should resonate in the minds of all Barbadians because a vote should be sacred.
On election day, the exchange of money for votes is becoming a bold and worrisome practice over the landscape of Barbados. It was revealed to me by many people across Barbados that they were approached by persons who offered them a substantive amount of money to vote for a particular candidate. This problem could be more evidently concentrated in low-income densely populated communities. It could also be a case where people are coerced into thinking that the candidate is the most suitable person for the job.
However, this is an unfair tactic that can disadvantage any candidate on any side of the political divide. It also has the propensity to subject voters to undue influence where persons would be in a position to dominate the decision-making process in order to obtain an unjust advantage. Since voting is an emotional act, any interference or intrusion can enable and motivate voters to create biases that affect how they vote and perceive the candidate.
Pursuant to Section 24 of the Elections Offences and Controversies Act of Barbados, the buyer and seller of the vote-buying are guilty of an offence, however, there is no fine imposed to deter persons from engaging in this behaviour.
Therefore, the government should move swiftly to amend the current legislation to eradicate this scourge. My advice would be, to revisit, strengthen and implement stiffer penalties for offenders for the violation of this law. I recommend a heavy fine or a term of imprisonment for anyone who is found guilty of this corrupt practice in order to deter perpetrators from committing this offence.
Barbadians should cherish their vote and see it as sacred!
Rennette M Dimmott, a former candidate for Christ Church West Central, is a self-described constitutional law activist
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