Economist Podcasts Rough seas and safe seats: Caribbean elections
Sep 3, 2020
Mark Wilson, a Caribbean political analyst, joins Lena Shipper, The Economist's North Korea bureau chief, and Adrian Blomfield, an East Africa correspondent. They discuss Jamaica's looming election amidst a tourism crisis and the challenges from hurricanes and COVID-19. Shipper highlights North Korea's admission of dire economic struggles, echoing past famines. Blomfield dives into the quirky world of obscure commemorative stamps, revealing insights into countries like Sierra Leone and their unusual philatelic practices.
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Caribbean Politics
- Caribbean elections are not about policy or ideology.
- They focus on achievable goals, as demonstrated by Holness's income tax cut promise.
Phillips's Struggles
- Peter Phillips, the opposition candidate, is older than Holness and has faced health challenges.
- He battled cancer and internal party leadership challenges.
Campaign Atmosphere
- The pandemic has significantly impacted Jamaica's election campaign.
- Traditional large rallies and personal interactions have been replaced by a low-key approach.