PNP raises concerns over conduct of election, alleged irregularities

By: Editorial

Image caption: PNP Campaign Spokesperson, Donna Scott Mottley.

The People’s National Party (PNP) says it is committed to fair and transparent elections and wants the electoral authorities to address issues that arose during Wednesday's general election.

The PNP lost to the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP), which won a third consecutive term in office.

At the end of the preliminary count on Wednesday, the JLP won 34 of the 63 seats in Parliament.

With the official counting still under way, the JLP on Friday picked up the Kingston Central constituency, pushing its total to 35 seats.

Reacting to the conduct of the election, the PNP, in a statement on Saturday, cited what it said were widespread reports of vote buying and voter suppression, which it said have left the party deeply concerned.

The party also claimed that some persons in line at 5:00 p.m. were not allowed to vote.

It added that some voters also faced long delays at many polling stations.

"While we respect the will of the people, we cannot ignore the corrosive effect of these illegal and immoral actions on public trust in the electoral process," the PNP asserted.

"The PNP reaffirms its commitment to fair and transparent elections, and we call on the Electoral Commission, law enforcement, and civil society to take decisive steps to confront and eradicate these practices. We will use every platform available to promote critical reforms to our electoral laws to address these practices that undermine our democracy," the party said.

The PNP said it will continue to stand firm in defence of the Jamaican people’s right to vote freely.

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