The Anguillian community is rife with complaints about the abysmal level to which the political campaigning has sunken in the run-up to the General Election on February 15. With just over one more week to go, there is the fear of a more intensified and fever-pitched tumult as the campaign may be called. It is hoped, however, that the various competing parties and candidates will show some measure of maturity and restraint by stepping back from the personal abuse and mudslinging even at this closing period of the electioneering.

The unfortunate political conduct has severely disturbed a number of residents, taken aback by what appear to have become platforms of hate and venom, not seen before in the history of campaigning in Anguilla. The difficulty is even worsened by the fact that the regrettable behaviour is not just confined to the island’s territorial borders, but is spread abroad, live and therefore unedited, via radio and the world-wide web, with all the associated defamation and crude language.

It is hoped that listeners outside Anguilla would try to understand that it is all related to the present cloudy political climate which manifests itself everywhere and which should eventually clear away once the election passes and a new government emerges. Yet this is no excuse for the bitterness of the campaign which, in most cases, seems to outweigh the attention being given to the real national issues needing ventilation and redress.

While a number of the politicians wrangle, as it were out of control, it is comforting to note that the people, the electorate, are remaining calm and largely critical of the offending actors on stage. Indeed, the voters must of necessity avoid being carried away as they are required to carefully examine each party and candidate and to intelligently decide who is best suited to be the leaders of Anguilla and in whom they could repose their confidence. It is not an easy election, but it is hoped that it will eventually give way to good governance, peace, security and progress for the people who have now become very politically conscious.

The election processes are being duly explained in detail, leaving no room for misunderstanding or misconduct. It is important that everyone governs himself and herself accordingly and that good behaviour and wise judgment prevail despite the unprecedented bitterness and fierce rivalry of the election campaign.

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