We are nearing Referendum Day on June 7. The arguments have been made on both sides. We think Bahamians should vote yes to the gender equality measures, but there is a lot of reservation and anger among members of the electorate.
Part of this anger is misplaced. There are many Bahamians who are upset with the governing Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) regarding its leadership of the country the past four years. Crime and violence remain problems. Unemployment is still high. No mortgage relief came. Graft exists in numerous public service departments.
The PLP is unpopular and so is its leader. Prime Minister Perry Christie next year will celebrate being in the House of Assembly for 40 years and being PLP leader for 20 years. He's been around a long time. Christie appears to be hanging around just to be leader more than staying to deliver transformative governance. Bahamians want a new prime minister. PLPs want a new leader.
In this context many want to demonstrate their anger to the governing side. They think that since the PLP is leading the vote yes side, now is the time to go to the polls and demonstrate that anger. This view is misguided.
This referendum is not about party politics. It is not about Christie. It is about what type of society we want to live in. It is about fairness. This vote is about fundamental rights.
Two questions discriminate against women. One discriminates against men. The fourth question seeks to prevent further discrimination against men and women because they are men and women. The goal should be for us to enshrine equality between males and females in our supreme law.
We should vote on these questions on their merits. We should not transfer our dislike of the PLP into this. The next general election is the time for that. We invite all angry Bahamians to go to the polls then and show the PLP what you think of its leadership of the country. You can vote the governing party and Christie out, if you like.
Democracy requires us to challenge ourselves. It requires us to read; to think; to be educated. We should not just make decisions on our constitution based on emotion or politics.
If you are voting no to get back at the PLP, you are voting no for the wrong reason. If you are voting no to spite Christie, you are voting no for the wrong reason. Read the questions. Think about the issues. Come to a conclusion. We would urge you to vote yes, but if you vote no that's your right. If you do so, though, do it for a logical reason. Don't vote no merely because of politics.
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