If ever there was a time when Jamaicans needed to allow good sense and peace to prevail, it is now.

This especially after the announcement Sunday by Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller that the general elections will be held on August 27. General elections are two months away and that leaves more than enough time for the hooligans and people with ill intentions to carry out their evil deeds.

Jamaicans need to be smart. Recent reports have highlighted harrowing incidents where supporters of the two major political parties have been attacked on their way to or from rallies or other politically related events.

Instead of making plans to terrorise your fellow citizens into voting for a particular party, one should instead debate issues with facts and arguments.

And in cases of disagreement, respecting the opinions of others is the responsible thing to do. We need to begin to act more mature and respect differences in others.

It makes sense for each to live peacefully with each other rather than fight over political affiliations. No matter which party is elected to form the next government, it will require the nation's support to effect the changes necessary to move Jamaica forward.

The reports of violent incidents which have occurred so far on the campaign trail have been frightening indicators of what may come later. Reports of buses of supporters being stoned and attacked are not at all reassuring.

Those persons promoting violence must stop, and those who know of illegal activities being planned should tell the police. We all have the right to support the party of our choice without fear of being attacked or killed for our vote.