Newsday – September 3, 2015
Exercising your franchise
The first general elections were held in Trinidad and Tobago on January 17,
1925. Since that historic day, the elections have unfolded quite differently from
what we are privileged to experience in this, the twenty-first century. One of the
major differences resides in the fact that suffrage - or the right to vote - was
limited only to those who owned property and earned a high income.
Fortunately, Universal Adult Suffrage was granted in 1946. This was
empowering for the franchise, since it now allowed for the right to vote,
irrespective of gender, race, social status or income class.
As General Elections day - September 7, 2015 - approaches, the Chamber
encourages the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago to go out and exercise their
franchise. Many of us have become so accustomed to this right that it is often
taken for granted. However, there are several countries in the world where Adult
Suffrage is neither a right nor an entitlement; it simply does not exist.
We should never casually dismiss this freedom. By casting our vote we
empower our leaders to represent us and make meaningful contributions to our
economy, our standard of living, the delivery of services and the overall quality
of life we enjoy. Through our vote we send a clear signal to all hopefuls and
incumbents that we, as a people, are prepared to either accept or reject their bid
for candidacy. Conversely, the decision to not exercise one’s franchise is akin to
taking a vow of silence on national issues, and runs counter to the principles of
participatory democracy and good governance.
Newsday – September 3, 2015
Traditionally, we who live and work in this country, have always displayed a high
level of resilience and responsibility in the periods before, during and after the
staging of a General Election. Much to our credit, we can boast of having
skilfully navigated no fewer than five elections between the year 2000 and 2010,
with little or no disturbance to the process.
As a consequence, we at the Chamber remain confident, that all citizens of
Trinidad and Tobago will exercise their democratic right, in an atmosphere that
is free, fair, and in accordance with the general rule of law.
Of particular interest to us is the youth demographic which comprises the future
political, business and civil society leaders, emerging from every imaginable
discipline. Historically, statistics have proven that low voter turnout is common
among this group, no matter where in the world. Since political apathy has no
place in progressive societies, we continue to have faith in our young people
that they would be inspired to do what is right at the appropriate time.
In the heat of the excitement on the hustings, it is important to remember that
Trinidad and Tobago is also on the cusp of its 53rd year of Independence as a
nation. In that context, there is no better time to demonstrate our maturity as a
people who collectively desire the best for our country.
The T&T Chamber urges everyone to continue to be productive citizens and
infuse their every action with a deep sense of national pride, as we work
together to build a better Trinidad and Tobago. In practising our democratic
right, we actively contribute to the future prosperity of our great nation.
Newsday – September 3, 2015
As we prepare to go out and cast our respective vote in the General Election,
the T&T Chamber anticipates yet another incident-free day at the polls, come
September 7.