Key findings, recommendations of PNP Campaign Appraisal Committee

On Thursday, June 9, the People’s National Party (PNP) unveiled the findings of the inquiry into the reasons for the Party’s loss in the February 25 general election.

Some of the key findings were as follows:

That the decision not to participate in the national debate was a fatal error. It contributed to the impression that the Party was arrogant, and took the electorate for granted.

Breakdown of trust among elements of the leadership, leading into the campaign.

The Party’s message did not communicate hope, and was incoherent. It was exacerbated by the decision to raise the issue of the house being constructed by (then) Opposition Leader, during the campaign.

Some felt the Party had departed from its core philosophy, and that there was no effective counter to the JLP’s tax proposal

There was a perception of low worker morale, unresolved candidate selection issues, problematic relationships between some MPs and councilors.

Key recommendations

The Review Committee called for a re-affirmation of the PNPs core philosophy, and the communication policies within that framework

There was a call to strengthen the Secretariat in the areas of organizing, enumeration, communication and recruitment, and for the introduction of a pilot programme to reform the role of Party groups

Another recommendation is for the establishment of a 'Group of Mentors”'to provide guidance and support, especially to new MPs and candidates

Aspirants seeking to represent the Party in elections should first be approved by the Integrity Commission before facing delegates, the Committee said.

There's a call for time frames to be developed, within which internal disputes are resolved, and decisive application of necessary sanctions

Acceptance of the Central Campaign Management Manual to guide national campaigns, is another key recommendation, as well as moves to strengthen the political capacity and relationships of the Arms and Affiliates of the PNP, by developing strategic objectives, and a political work programme for each.

Surprised

The PNP, in power since January, 2012, was surprised by its February 25 electoral loss, having gone into the election buoyed by opinion polls which suggested that it would have prevailed fairly comfortably.

The Appraisal Committee was chaired by Julian Robinson, Deputy General-Secretary of the PNP, and MP for St. Andrew South Eastern.