Electoral commission makes final preparations

By: Admin

Image caption: ECJ Professor, Errol Miller - file photo.

The Electoral Commission of Jamaica (ECJ) says it has taken steps to provide the disabled community with greater access to polling stations in the March 26 local government elections.

Chairman of the ECJ Professor, Errol Miller said the number of polling stations accessible by staircase has been reduced from 362 in the December 29 general elections to 162 in the upcoming parish council polls.

This move will allow disabled voters to gain easier access to polling stations on Election Day.

The number of tents used in the recently held general election has also been reduced from 140 to 55 in the local government polls.

In the December polls, concerns were raised that the use of tents meant electors were voting almost in the open at some polling stations.

Miller told journalists at a press conference today at the ECJ's headquarters on Red Hills Road that the total sum to be spent on the upcoming election will be $400 million less than the amount expended for the December election.

The EOJ's budget for the local government polls is $900 million compared with the $1.3 billion spent for the general election.

radio@gleanerjm.com