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BLP Win 30-0, Again

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The Barbados Labour Party (BLP) in a surprising result won all 30 seats again in a snap election called 18 months before constitutionally due by Mia Mottley.

In the coming weeks there will be robust debate about how our democracy optimally serves Barbadians with a muted dissenting voice. One may argue a healthy democracy requires a strident dissenting voice. Barbados is traveling an uncharted path given the 2018 and 2022 general election results and BELOW 50% turnout (anecdotal). In the coming weeks our attention will turn to government’s management of COVID 19, the economy, the health of political opposition and a few other key issues.

Whither the political opposition?

The blogmaster congratulates the BLP on the win and offers the advice – to whom much is given, much is expected.

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493 responses to “BLP Win 30-0, Again”

  1. African Online Publishing Copyright ⓒ 2021. All Rights Reserved Avatar
    African Online Publishing Copyright ⓒ 2021. All Rights Reserved

    Some people don’t seem to understand what LOW VOTER TURN OUT MEANS…in a so called democracy…that was not a win….it was a show of DISGUST for both parties….people WITHHELD their voting power…there is no confidence in any of them..

    there is nothing to celebrate…

  2. Looking to the future Avatar
    Looking to the future

    Mr.blogmaster I have change my moniker so as to be more positive going forward
    I am now a Tron fan.I believe he knew a lot more than we did. The people has spoken and this is now our government, so lets stop the looking back and look forward to what Tron said to our future to what ever policies have to be implemented.
    May God bless Barbados

  3. TheOGazerts Avatar
    TheOGazerts

    To whom it may concern
    1, 2, 3
    Respectfully, the past two elections have shown that talk of 3rd parties is now irrelevant.
    .
    Please, no more mention during the next five years as we are trying to create a second party.

    Thanks in advance
    Comrade Theo.

  4. John Avatar
    John

    (1) There shall be a Leader of the Opposition, who shall be appointed by the Governor-General by instrument under the Public Seal.

    SHALL BE!!
    .
    (2) Whenever the Governor-General has occasion to appoint a Leader of the Opposition he shall appoint the member of the House of Assembly who, in his judgment, is best able to command the support of a majority of those members who do not support the Government, or if there is no such person, the member of that House who, in his judgment, commands the
    support of the largest single group of such members who are prepared to support one leader: Provided that this subsection shall have effect in relation to any period between a dissolution of Parliament and the day on which the next election of members of the House of Assembly is held as if Parliament had not been dissolved.

    (3) The office of Leader of the Opposition shall become vacant-

    (a) if, after an election of members of the House of Assembly following any dissolution of Parliament and before that
    House first meets thereafter, he is informed by the Governor-General that the Governor-General is about to appoint another person as Leader of the Opposition;

    (b) if he ceases to be a member of the House of Assembly for any reason other than a dissolution of Parliament; or

    (c) if his appointment is revoked under the provisions of subsection (4).

    (4) If, in the judgment of the Governor-General, the Leader of the Opposition no longer is able to command the support of
    a majority of those members of the House of Assembly who do not support the Government, or, as the case may be, the
    support of the largest single group of such members who are prepared to support one leader, the Governor-General may
    revoke the appointment of the Leader of the Opposition.

    (5) In the exercise of his functions under this section the Governor-General shall act in his discretion:
    Provided that, except during any period such as is mentioned in subsection (3) (a), if the Governor-General considers that it is doubtful whether a person commands such support as is mentioned in subsection (2) he shall, in determining the
    question, act in accordance with the advice of the Speaker.

  5. angela cox Avatar
    angela cox

    Bajans seems to have divorce themselves from the fact that in.order for democracy to work that having an.opposition in Parliament is an important function
    It is as if the people have thrown.hands in the air and made a Declaration they don’t want to get involved with the process
    Meanwhile asking for the advocates to be civic minded although well.meant cannot entirely be one which a one govt party would listen to
    This type of govt usually have drivers at the wheel to steer the ship in areas which best serve there own purpose
    The people had another opportunity to make a change which would maintain and secure the foundation of good governance but rather not to do so
    So where is the country heading within the next five years only time would tell
    Blame should be placed on the 60percent who disenfranchised themselves while the forty percent did their civic duty and let the chips fall wherever they may
    May God bless Barbados

  6. David Avatar
    David

    Who votes for an opposition? Especially if it is perceived it is not worthy?

  7. Enuff Avatar
    Enuff

    David
    The fact you have to rely on IF is enough for me to ignore your comment.

  8. David Avatar
    David

    @enuff

    That is your prerogative. To repeat 40% voter turnout. A win is a win right?

  9. John Avatar
    John

    African Online Publishing Copyright ⓒ 2021. All Rights ReservedJanuary 20, 2022 9:21 AM

    Some people don’t seem to understand what LOW VOTER TURN OUT MEANS…in a so called democracy…that was not a win….it was a show of DISGUST for both parties….people WITHHELD their voting power…there is no confidence in any of them..

    there is nothing to celebrate…

    ++++++++++++++++++++++++++

    There you go.

    How many people voted against the BLP this time whose voices will not be heard in Parliament?

    How many was it last time.

    30-0 can’t work if we want to keep a Parliamentary Democracy.

    That’s why a Parliament cannot form without a leader of the opposition!!

  10. David Avatar
    David

    The outcome of this election will do the DLP some good. Two or three better decisions and it would have captured at least 3 seats in the opinion of the blogmaster.

  11. John2 Avatar
    John2

    A ‘LOO’ will be appointed to the senate

  12. Fractured BLP Avatar
    Fractured BLP

    Well it is a truism that the people – get the government they deserve.

    The people of Barbados have again decided – the score line should be 30 seats to the Bees – No opposition !

    Cuba – has No Opposition !

    Russia – has No Opposition !

    So let’s sit back and observe the journey …..

  13. David Avatar
    David

    @John2

    John obviously missed the amendment to the laws. The DLP will again have access to the subvention. This will help.

  14. Cuhdear Bajan Avatar
    Cuhdear Bajan

    @Tron January 20, 2022 6:37 AM “…will not allow a bishop to play the opposition again.”

    What bishop? So far as I know no bishop, imam, pastor, priest, pope nor rabbi has been elected.

    Bajans love their religion.

    Bajans love their politics.

    BUT they don’t like to mix up the two.

    Part of the reason the Solutions candidates did so poorly.

  15. 555dubstreet Avatar
    555dubstreet

    555dubstreet January 19, 2022 11:06 AM

    25-5 [d]
    23-7 [n]
    27-3 or 4 [c]

    I man prediction
    30-0 [k]
    [based on DLP performance]

    Like

    I don’t mean to brag and boast
    but when it comes to predictions
    I am the most

    If you are sick or you are sad
    or if you lost the love you had
    I will make you musically glad

    I make you glad
    I make you glad
    I make you glad

    Bim!

  16. Artax Avatar
    Artax

    Since we’re always referring to Singapore, why not explore the possibility of making then necessary Constitutional amendments to facilitate the introduction of a ‘MODIFIED VERSION’ of that country’s Non-constituency Member of Parliament (NCMP) scheme, whereby a specified number of seats in Parliament can be offered to those losing candidates from the opposition parties who received the highest percentage of votes, and having voting rights and privileges similar to elected members of Parliament.

    Then, those individuals selected could choose an Opposition Leader and Senators from amongst themselves.

  17. Eugene/John Avatar
    Eugene/John

    Fractured BLPJanuary 20, 2022 9:34 AM

    Well it is a truism that the people – get the government they deserve.

    The people of Barbados have again decided – the score line should be 30 seats to the Bees – No opposition !

    Cuba – has No Opposition !

    Russia – has No Opposition !

    So let’s sit back and observe the journey …..

    +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

    Cuba and Russia don’t have constitutions that require the presence of a Leader of the Opposition in the House of Assembly.

    They are not parliamentary democracies.

  18. 555dubstreet Avatar
    555dubstreet

    How You String A Sound In A Land

  19. Disgusting Lies & Propaganda TV Avatar
    Disgusting Lies & Propaganda TV

    @DavidBU your naivety is surprising me. The DLP simply had a poor strategy just 3 years after an HEAVY 30-0 defeat in the face of a BLP administration with a strong LEADER and a TEAM that simply got the job of running the country done. For the masses it is a simple comparison of who had the better LEADER and the better team to RUN THIS COUNTRY!!!!! Where the DLP is now is a BLACK HOLE of Freundal Stuart’s’ CREATION!!!!!!

    In my opinion it would have been a little unfair to blame ANY new DLP leader after Freundel to notably reverse that particular 30-0 after ONLY 3 years. The “erudite discourse” of the the DLP and BLP being “philosophically similar” is beside the point and is irrelevant RIGHT NOW. In this election (and in the subsequent elections of 2027/28 and 2032/33) the DLP should have had the mindset of wearing down the BLP by attrition and not to frontally go after Ms Mottley. They will GET HURT!!!! ( to use jargon youngsters use nowadays)

  20. John Avatar
    John

    (2) Whenever the Governor-General has occasion to appoint a Leader of the Opposition he shall appoint the member of the House of Assembly who, in his judgment, is best able to command the support of a majority of those members who do not support the Government, or if there is no such person, the member of that House who, in his judgment, commands the
    support of the largest single group of such members who are prepared to support one leader: Provided that this subsection shall have effect in relation to any period between a dissolution of Parliament and the day on which the next election of members of the House of Assembly is held as if Parliament had not been dissolved.

    +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

    Has the Constitution changed?

    If this requirement still applies there is no one the Governor-General can appoint.

    Reverent Joe gone long.

    I would submit he saw the writing on the wall and got his ass out of the crap by choosing to run in a constituency which was not his own and where he would have a network of canvassers.

    We have had since 2018 a mock PM, a mock LOO, a mock Parliament and a mock government.

    Best to beg the Queen send down a Governor and appoint a caretaker Government.

  21. John Avatar
    John

    … besides, we no longer have a GG to appoint a LOO!!

  22. David Avatar
    David

    @Artax

    Proportional representation you mean?

  23. David Avatar
    David

    @DLP&Lies

    The blogmaster is not dwelling on DLP strategy so much. The discussion must move to where Artax alluded above. The current system breeds dysfunction.

  24. David Avatar
    David

    Why don’t you stop, take a breath and understand the opposition scenario is different compared to 2018.

  25. David Avatar
    David

    Instead we have a president. Please stop hijacking the blog.

  26. 555dubstreet Avatar
    555dubstreet

    In the Talking Shop..
    The BU posse is not happy Mia or should I say BLP won 30-0 again
    Boo Hoo!
    Soundclash Champion
    There is no contest between the best and the rest when it comes to the Champion Sound in Town and in the Land to Nice Up the Lawn from Dusk ’till Dawn to Keep You Rocking and Swing in a Rootsman Style Jah Jah Know Me Wicked and Me Wicked and Me Wild In a Cool Profile and Well Vesatile When It= Comes to Style

  27. angela cox Avatar
    angela cox

    DavidJanuary 20, 2022 9:32 AM

    The outcome of this election will do the DLP some good. Two or there better decisions and it would have captured at least 3 seats in the opinion of the blogmaster

    Xxxxxc
    What about the country

  28. Artax Avatar
    Artax

    African Online Publishing Copyright ⓒ 2021. All Rights Reserved January 20, 2022 9:21 AM #: “Some people don’t seem to understand what LOW VOTER TURN OUT MEANS…in a so called democracy…that was not a win….it was a show of DISGUST for both parties….people WITHHELD their voting power…there is no confidence in any of them..there is nothing to celebrate…”

    Agree with you wholeheartedly.

    It also indicates that Barbadians do not take the so called ‘third parties’ seriously either.

  29. 555dubstreet Avatar
    555dubstreet

    “What about the country”

    I am guessing using the ability of my cosmic mind
    that if people in Barbados looked out their window
    they would see the sun is still shining

    but when you look out in your dwelling
    it is cold and grey and cloudy

  30. dreamstarworld Avatar
    dreamstarworld

    @DAVID

    PoLIEtical Summary:

    ~ Bread
    ~ Circus
    ~ More Bickering

  31. John Avatar
    John

    DavidJanuary 20, 2022 9:52 AM

    Why don’t you stop, take a breath and understand the opposition scenario is different compared to 2018.

    ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

    What is the difference between no and none?

  32. Artax Avatar
    Artax

    @ David

    Not exactly.

    Perhaps I should’ve mentioned ‘number of votes,’ instead of ‘percentage.’

    Basically, a proportional representation system allows a political party receiving 55% of the votes cast, for example, to gain 55% of the seats in Parliament.

    In Singapore, there are a specific or ‘set’ number of seats available Parliament in the event one party wins all of the seats during an election. If there are 10 seats, for example, those losing opposition candidates receiving the most votes, will be offered the 10 seats.

    We could probably discuss how their NCMP scheme or any other similar system could be modified to suit our circumstances.

  33. John Avatar
    John

    ArtaxJanuary 20, 2022 10:02 AM

    African Online Publishing Copyright ⓒ 2021. All Rights Reserved January 20, 2022 9:21 AM #: “Some people don’t seem to understand what LOW VOTER TURN OUT MEANS…in a so called democracy…that was not a win….it was a show of DISGUST for both parties….people WITHHELD their voting power…there is no confidence in any of them..there is nothing to celebrate…”

    Agree with you wholeheartedly.

    It also indicates that Barbadians do not take the so called ‘third parties’ seriously either.

    ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

    What do all the parties including third parties, have in common?

    Politicians.

  34. William Skinner Avatar
    William Skinner

    The Duopoly won the election as was expected. An astonishingly high turnout of around 45 % was achieved. . This was 15/20 % higher than the last turn out of eligible voters in 2018. This in itself showed that there is a high level of voter excitement and participation in the process. Our vibrant democracy remains a global beacon.
    The Duopoly guaranteed that there was no disenfranchisement of voters and all systems were put in place to ensure that all eligible citizens were given every opportunity to vote. This excellent model should be used by all countries that intend to go to the polls during a pandemic. Well done!
    Our democracy is alive and well. Our great Duopoly continues to put all Barbadians first.
    It was an election of issues and the Duopoly put forward many progressive policies that will carry the country forward.
    These great elections are usually held held throughout the world.
    As a country we have nothing to worry about.
    Peace

  35. Sargeant Avatar
    Sargeant

    Well I guess that the country was no so divided after all, at least those that turned out to vote with a singular intention.

    We have a new Republic and a new Constitution is supposed to follow, why not have the document respect the new reality and make no allowance for a LOO or even go the whole hog and make provision for a one Party State.

  36. 555dubstreet Avatar
    555dubstreet

    While Mia and her Team have one foot in the future
    DLP and Barbados Solutions have two feet in the past
    And the Rest are Known Unknowns

    Do you remember the days of school when we went to learn the Golden Rule
    We got to know the Truths and Rights

    The Scientist Attack

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-OqxpowQ4fU

  37. 555dubstreet Avatar
    555dubstreet

    Advice to Barbados Underground
    Get Over It

    “The Duopoly won the election as was expected”

    There is no Duopoly
    There is no D
    They have won 0 seats for 2 elections in a row now
    They are equal to the worst of the worst

  38. Observing Avatar
    Observing

    The people have spoken. Well some of them at least.
    Tough night for the Dees but as someone said, reversing 30-0 and 40% swing in 3 years with a snap election was always a tough task. Better organisation or messaging may have yielded 3-4 seats.

    Impact of Covid must not be discounted. If older voters didn’t come out that automatically depletes the DLP base. Tough decisions ahead indeed!!!
    Onto the inevitable omicron spike.

    Just observing

  39. John2 Avatar
    John2

    I watched Bobby Morris wondering what’s going on in st Lucy and St. John

    IMO.

    Those two seats were neglected so badly for decades that “ a little” work in both will alway make it hard for Ds to regain those seats

    B. The statistics from 2018 elections showed the Ds were beaten so badly that they only had a realistic chance in sinckler old seat.

    C. Bulldog and lowdown should quit
    The giant should remain asleep

  40. TheOGazerts Avatar
    TheOGazerts

    Waiting for Amit with the numbers…

    Waiting for the site caribbeanelections.com/bb/elections
    to be updated.

    The chart that was in the Nation yesterday with all numbers for 2022 filled in would also be interesting.
    ——xx—–

    Reality sucks …
    In a first past the post scenario the BLP had the 30 fastest runners. With less than 50% of eligible voters participating the stadium was half empty. This 30-0 should not be taken as any kind of mandate …

  41. Observing Avatar
    Observing

    @Theo
    ” This 30-0 should not be taken as any kind of mandate …”

    Agreed

  42. John2 Avatar
    John2

    WS

    How was the voter turn out / excitement for the NDO progressive policies when you were once an aspiring politician ?

    #sourgrapes

  43. John2 Avatar
    John2

    Artax

    Agree with you on the Singapore model

    I hope that our changes don’t go from British to mirror the Americans

  44. TheOGazerts Avatar
    TheOGazerts

    My opinion (please correct me if I am wrong)
    Folks, my ‘Dear Friend Rabbit’ appears to be making the most sense on BU. Could the blogmaster points us to where the President has a role in appointing the LOO?

    The ass backwardness of working on the constitution after becoming a Republic is on display.

  45. John2 Avatar
    John2

    The score since 2018 is blp 61. – Dlp 0

    Elections rigged?

    DEMs got some serious work to do !

  46. de pedantic Dribbler Avatar
    de pedantic Dribbler

    @David, the BU bloggers have been spot on this morn … so brevity from me.

    First@Artax: all excellent theory re proprotional representation… alas that itself suggests a larger House (already cumbersome I believe) unless those losing oppo candidates are placed in the Upper Chamber – which would be more plausible …. All good stuff that will now have to engage the political technicians based on our last 2 cycles.

    @David, like the moniker changer above I had to reset after last night. So somewhat like that viral TicTok vid where you perceive the model spinning counter clockwise AND clockwise after long seconds of viewing, I am seeing different vistas now from the same damn thing I saw differently … thus, I actually agree with much of what @Enuff and @DLP said above…. particularly @DLP. His was as excellent a summary possible: “… Barbadians are AT THIS POINT not TOO worried about not having an opposition. If this was so the DLP should have noticeably improved on their national vote. On the contrary, they still regard the DLP as unfit to the extent that they didn’t deserve even 1 seat.”

    So of course @Donna and others are correct that the low vote turnout is a dismissal of both the parties (and ALL the fringe groups.. they are NOT political parties) but it’s a STRONGER statement that the once mighty DLP is but a listless carcass.

    So the issue cannot be
    that “philosophically the DLP and BLP are the same”.
    The “public in its wisdom” has always established a difference based on a dynamic leader NOT philosophy.

    The DLP has no dynamic skipper at its helm.

    The comment that ‘Labour’ being taken from the DLP was (is) its death is interesting … BUT BOTH parties evolved from the labour struggles as we know… that the BLP have re- coopted the major unions is problematic but not a death blow to the DLP.

    And one last for this moment. This is 2022 and the fears of a one party state do NOT carry the same deep seated concerns of even 10 years ago… so yes absolutely it does mean that voices will be heard loudly across social media and various NGOs … the traditional and required protocol structures will be put in place but we need not fear practical governance for Bajans … TWICE they said they are NOT concerned so let’s accept their judgement.

    The parliamentary stuff will be resolved … the checks and balances are assured.

  47. John2 Avatar
    John2

    The 30 should be taken as a victory ( 2nd)

    The 0 should be taken as – something real wrong with ur “presentations”

  48. Donna Avatar
    Donna

    Stop hijacking the blog with NONSENSE, you should have said.

    How on earth are voters to ensure the election of an opposition?

    That could only be accomplished by a party so confidant that it would win all the other seats that it runs a few duds against strong opponents.

    Or the branches would have to secretly ask their people to stay home or vote for the other party.

    That would be terribly artificial and manipulative if even it could be accomplished.

    So this so-called requirement for a LoO should have provided for this situation.

    John 2,

    I am ashamed to say that your Senate Leader of the Opposition idea is something upon which I can give no opinion. I simply have no idea.

    Artax,

    We are due for a fix. But don’t we first need a parliament to facilitate the change in the Constitution?

  49. John2 Avatar
    John2

    Donna

    It is not my idea

    It is law – so I heard last night from wickham . Law made by the blp after 2018 elections

  50. Vincent Codrington Avatar
    Vincent Codrington

    The Electorate has spoken decisively again. This outcome reminds me of the story of Jonah in the Judeo Christian Bible.We are back where we started. No need for an opposition party in the lower House of Parliament. There will be no members of the Opposition in Senate. either. The People have spoken again.
    @ David Bu.
    Why do you associate no election of opposition candidates as no democracy? Democracy was exercised in the voting booths by the Electorate who cared enough to vote.Why do you wish to negate the will of the Electorate?

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