PNP NOT CONTESTING BUT UIC REPORTEDLY TO PUT UP CANDIDATE
The Electoral Office of Jamaica (EOJ) says it set to accept nominations from eligible candidates for the by-election in the constituency of St. Ann North Eastern.
The By-election is set for September 30 to replace Marsha Smith who resigned last week.
Nomination will take place on Wednesday, September 11 commencing at 10:00 a.m. at the Office of the Returning Officer, St Ann North Eastern, located at 1 Wharf Street, St. Ann’s Bay.
The Jamaica Labour Party is expected to nominate Matthew Samuda. The People’s National Party (PNP) will not be nominating any candidate.
However, the North Coast Times has been informed that the United Independents Congress (UIC) will be nominating a candidate.
According to a release issued by the EOJ, on nomination day, any person wishing to contest the election is required to:
- fill out a nomination form signed by any ten or more electors registered to vote in the constituency;
- return the form to the Returning Officer between the hours of 10:00a.m. and 2:00p.m.; and
- pay the nomination fee of J$15,000.
Subject to the provisions of the Constitution of Jamaica (Sections 39 and 40), any person seeking to enter as a candidate to sit in the House of Representative should, inter alia:
- be a citizen of Jamaica, resident in Jamaica for at least twelve months prior to the date of nomination or a Commonwealth citizen who has resided in Jamaica for at least twelve months prior to the nomination date;
- be at least 21 years of age.
Political parties intending to contest the election must be registered with the ECJ under the Representation of the People (Amendment) Act 2014. Individuals wishing to contest the election who are not members of registered political parties may do so as independent candidates.
