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'Tie would be a nightmare'
Published in the Jamaica Gleaner: Wednesday | August 8, 2007
Dr. Lloyd Barnett, constitutional lawyer and chairman of election observer group, Citizens' Action for Free and Fair Election (CAFFE), has warned of a constitutional nightmare should the People's National Party and the Jamaica Labour Party win an equal number of seats in the upcoming general election. Dr. Barnett, who was addressing a Lions Club of Kingston luncheon meeting yesterday, said that based on a number of polls, the election is likely to be very close.
"Can you imagine the confusion that would descend on Jamaica on the 28th (of August) if both parties won an equal number of seats?" he queried rhetorically as he voiced one of what he said were three major concerns of CAFFE. "We could end up with a tense, fragile country if that occurs," he warned.
Jamaica currently has 60 constituencies despite numerous suggestions that an additional seat should be created or one eliminated to prevent the possibility of a tie between the country's two main political parties during elections.
Accusing Jamaica's political leaders of failing to deal with matters of national importance in a responsible and intelligent manner, Dr. Barnett said the idea of a tie at the polls was not very far-fetched as such a situation occurred in Trinidad a few years ago.
Reports of incidents
He said CAFFE is also concerned about the number of reports of incidents of violence and aggression associated with campaign activities and appealed for calm and orderliness. He also expressed concern that the election would be held during what he noted was the traditional rainy season and predicted that the election would have to be postponed should a hurricane or some other weather system threaten Jamaica close to August 27.
Dr. Barnett said CAFFE now has approximately half of the 2,000 volunteers it needs to be independent observers on election day.
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