The Electoral Commission of Jamaica ECJ has invited several local and international bodies to send representatives to observe the upcoming general election. 

These include, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), the Organization of American States (OAS), the Commonwealth Secretariat, the Centre for Electoral Advisory and Promotion (CAPEL) and Jamaica’s domestic observer group, Citizens Action for Free and Fair Elections (CAFFE).

ECJ Chairman, Earl Jarrett emphasizes that international and local observers have contributed significantly to Jamaica meeting international standards.

He points out  that in keeping with its  mandate of conducting free and fair elections, the commission recognizes the role of observer missions in providing an independent and impartial assessment of the electoral process. 

He stresses that it contributes to capacity building and sharing of expertise and best practices across the region as well.

Mission teams are deployed to observe Jamaica’s electoral process including the general atmosphere, the political climate, the ECJ’s preparations for the election, activities on election  day and post-election proceedings. 

The main purpose of observer missions is to gather  information, report on their findings and make recommendations to the ECJ.

The Representation of the People Act was amended in 1997 to allow local and international   observation of elections. 

Local and international election observation was first introduced in Jamaica for the 1997 general election.