As election campaigning intensifies ahead of the general polls expected later this year, the Political Ombudsman says there is close monitoring of the conduct of political parties and candidates.

****************************

In a release, the Electoral Commission of Jamaica (ECJ) says the Ombudsman has taken note of flags, display boards and other paraphernalia erected as well as public utterances from political actors. 

It also says the office has been in dialogue with the general secretaries of the People’s National Party and the Jamaica Labour Party, concerning complaints raised against their members and their continued commitment to maintaining the highest standards of political conduct.

ECJ states that since March this year, the Political Ombudsman has received eight complaints from members of political parties and advocacy groups which are being actively and carefully investigated.

Political players and members of the public are reminded that intimidation, inflammatory political speech, public disorder, defacement of political material and conduct deemed contrary to the spirit of non-confrontational and peaceful campaigning are against the code of political conduct.

The Office of the Political Ombudsman is appealing to the public to use the available channels to submit reports on perceived breaches of the code of political conduct. 

Reports should be submitted in writing through the online complaints portal on the ECJ’s website at www.ecj.com.jm; or electronically to [email protected]; or to the Office of the Political Ombudsman at 46 Duke Street, Kingston.