AMID the din of the incoherent noise emanating from the two major political parties in this, the run up to the National Elections in Guyana, there is a parallel and eerie quiet that pervades the minds and existences of the masses.

In the past, the choices would have been very clear. For all the known reasons, that mark on the ballot was based upon racial lines. That divide still exists and will continue to exist among the uninformed voters. However, by all accounts, there appears to be a coalescence within the electorate that will no longer be swayed by the colour of the skin or the texture of the hair.

This portion of the electorate represents a rising tide of common folk; people who are justifiably fed up with dirty politics, corruption, nepotism and ineptitude. Educated, savvy and schooled via the Internet and social media, they demand accountability, transparency, fairness, equality and more importantly, freedom of choice.

And so, in spite the juvenile immaturity displayed by both the PPP/C and APNU/AFC, despite the incendiary remarks, the insidious, racially charged innuendos, the vulgarity of speech, the usual hooliganism, the veiled and the overt threats, hope looms large over the Guyana horizon.

The fledgling democracy that is Guyana is self-witnessing the birth of a generation that is vocal and are no longer fearful of the politics of fear and intimidation.

Unlike the recent past, hard questions are being asked and politicians of all stripes are being taken to task. Surely, the political parties are taking notice. Both major parties, rather all political parties must now rethink their positions. The electorate may no longer be taken for granted. Complacency is no longer acceptable. Accountability and transparency is demanded and expected.

In most countries, the crass and vile outburst of Dr. Bheri Ramsaran hurled at Ms. Sherlina Nageer would have resulted in immediate dismissal, removal from the caucus and even revocation of party credential. The people have spoken up and their collective voice have been heard.
Notwithstanding the infantile tantrums of the political parties, an educated, informed electorate is showing emerging signs of maturity. The public debates are vigorous, healthy and bodes well for this fledgling democracy.
A new era is dawning on Guyana!

JAY MOBEEN