JAMAICA-ECJ extends invitation to observer teams to monitor general election

KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – The Electoral Commission of Jamaica (ECJ) says it has invited several local and international bodies to send representatives to observe Jamaica’s upcoming general election, widely expected to be held early next month.

“In keeping with our mandate of conducting free and fair elections, the Commission recognises the role of observer missions in providing an independent and impartial assessment of the electoral process. It contributes to capacity building and sharing of expertise and best practices across the region as well,” said ECJ chairman, Earl Jarrett.

He said that international and local observers have contributed significantly to Jamaica meeting international standards.

Among those invited to send representatives are the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), the Organization of American States (OAS), the London-based Commonwealth Secretariat, the Centre for Electoral Advisory and Promotion (CAPEL), and Jamaica’s Citizens Action for Free and Fair Elections (CAFFE).

The observer teams are usually deployed to observe Jamaica’s electoral process, including the general atmosphere, the political climate, the ECJ’s preparations for the election, activities on election day, and post-election proceedings. The primary purpose of observer missions is to gather information, report on their findings, and make recommendations to the ECJ.

Local and international election observation was first introduced in Jamaica for the 1997 parliamentary general election after an amendment to the Representation of the People Act.

The general election here is expected to be a straight fight between the ruling Jamaica Labour Party (JLP), which is seeking a third consecutive term in office, and the main opposition People’s National Party (PNP).

In the last general election held on September 3, 2020, the JLP won 49 of the 63 seats in the National Assembly.