The People’s National Party (PNP) says it will not be contesting the 2 parliamentary by-elections set for next month.

It will however contest the 2 municipal by-elections.

The PNP’s stance follows the announcement of the by-elections by Prime Minister Andrew Holness and Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzie at a post-cabinet press briefing this morning.

The parliamentary by-elections are for the Trelawny Southern and St. Andrew North Western constituencies, while the municipal by-elections are for the divisions of Morant Bay in St. Thomas and Aenon Town in Clarendon.

Nomination day is November 6 and election day is November 22, for all four by-elections. 

Duane Smith is the Jamaica Labour Party’s candidate for St. Andrew North Western and former House Speaker Marisa Dalrymple Philibert will run again for southern Trelawny.

The JLP candidates for the municipal by-elections are not yet known.

Speaking with IRIE FM News this afternoon, PNP General Secretary Dr. Dayton Campbell said the party remains of the view that parliamentary by-elections are a waste of public resources, as the general election is due next year.

Dr. Campbell also raised questions about Mrs. Dalrymple Philibert running again for the seat, when the case that prompted her resignation is still before the court. 

He explained that the next local government election is not yet due, so the PNP will contest the divisional seats next month.