$250 Million Spent Preparing For An Election That Never Happened

By: Admin

Image caption: Tavares Finson, who is the Leader of Opposition Business in the Senate, said that based on things that were publicly said, and privately disclosed to the ECJ, a general election was anticipated in the last two months of 2015.

Election of Jamaica Commissioner Tom Tavares Finson said that a "significant portion" of the $250 million spent preparing for a general election last year that never came has been lost.

Tavares Finson, who is the Leader of Opposition Business in the Senate, said that based on things that were publicly said, and privately disclosed to the ECJ, a general election was anticipated in the last two months of 2015.

The Senator said that the ECJ, in anticipation of the election, requested a particular sum from central government, $250 million of which was spent. He said the bulk of the money was spent training electoral workers and renting property.

Tavares Finson said that "waste of public funds" is another compelling argument for fixed election date.

At present, the prime minister is the sole person with the authority to call an election. Such election may be announced at anytime during the five-year term of Government.

General elections are constitutionally due by December 2016.