The People’s National Party (PNP) says it will not contest any by-election at this time.
The declaration follows Prime Minister Andrew Holness’ announcement of a by-election, to be held in Northeast St. Ann, on September 30.
It means that, if, come nomination day, the only candidate nominated for the by-election, is the Jamaica Labour Party’s Matthew Samuda, he will be declared the new Member of Parliament.
In a statement today, party president Mark Golding chastised the Prime Minister for orchestrating the holding of the by-election
Mr. Golding said it is striking and unprecedented that this by-election was announced less than 24 hours after the resignation of Member of Parliament, Marsha Smith.
Mr. Golding said it is also important to note that the first notification to the Jamaican people about the resignation of cabinet minister and Senator Matthew Samuda, is within the context of announcing a by-election.
He said the Prime Minister has clearly orchestrated the holding of this by-election which is a slap in the face to the electors of southern Trelawny.
This, as south Trelawny has been without a parliamentary representative for a full year, a quarter of the life of this house of representatives, following the resignation of Marisa Dalrymple Philibert.
Mr. Golding said it is also a slap in the face of the people of Morant Bay, St. Thomas whose right to elect a councillor within 90 days of a vacancy, was abridged by the Holness led administration, using an amendment to the Representation of the People Act (ROPA).
The Morant Bay division became vacant with the death of councillor Rohan Bryan, in May.
The PNP said a by-election for the division is legally due now. This process was delayed for 3 months, as the governing JLP used its majority in parliament to pass amendments to the ROPA.
Mr. Golding noted that the PNP is preparing for the general election, due within a year, which will enable citizens to vote in a new government.
As such, he said the party will not contest any by-election, at this late stage in the run-up to the general election.
While noting that in 2016, parliament legislated there should be no by-election for municipal corporations within a 12-month period leading up to a local government election, Mr. Golding said the PNP will contest local government by-elections, as required by law.
This, as the local government election, is not due for another three and a half years.
He added that the party remains steadfast in its mission to protect and strengthen Jamaica’s democracy, and will ensure that every constituency is treated with the fairness and respect it deserves.
