The Dems Again Fellow Barbadians, brace yourselves! Prepare for five more years of Democratic Labour Party government. The Dems are super confident that their four-point formula is fool proof and will see them back in office for a third term. The four crucial victory tools are: Scare Tactics Shelling out millions of dollars to targeted voters Smear Campaign against the Opposition Leader Shifting people to vote in marginal constituencies Scare Tactics! The Dems are well versed in creating fear. Last election it was the scare that bus fares were going to be raised and that senior citizens would be made to pay. The famous video with a pleading senior citizen spooked many. The conversation about privatization which the Opposition started, was turned on its head with threats that it would lead to mass layoffs. This time they have started with the suggestion, on social media, that should the government be changed, the Barbados dollar will be devalued $7:00 to US $1:00. We can also expect the "mass layoff" threat to be amplified. Shelling out millions. After the last election, the MP for St Michael North West is known to have said that it cost them $4 million dollars in hand-outs to ensure victory in marginal constituencies. We will remember that it was three constituencies surrounding his that tipped the scale - one by less than forty votes. The game will be upped this time with their war chest fortified by those who have benefitted from government contracts - especially those awarded without a tendering process. Brown envelopes will be in plentiful supply. Smear Campaign against the Opposition Leader. This has started through the use of comments made by the former opposition party leader. There is also the suggestion, especially by the Prime Minister, that her background prevents her from relating to ordinary Barbadians. The full onslaught is however being held for the heat of the campaign where there will be relentless attacks on her character and reputation. Shifting voters There is evidence that the constituency of St Philip South is one where there was some movement of names onto the voters' register of people who were not permanent residents of the constituency, in the last election. No trace of them could be found at the identified residences however. This tactic is expected to be repeated in key constituencies. The sum total of the above, if allowed to take place again, is a sure return to office of the Democratic Labour Party, in an election where voter apathy is expected to be high. Barbadians must therefore adjust our mindset and prepare for the Trump effect, when an election may be won, not because the majority want it that way but because of targeted interventions by a desperate, ruthless group of skillful manipulators. It seems only Divine intervention can save our fair land.