JAMAICA | PNP Condemns Desperate By-Election Ploy by Faltering Government

KINGSTON, Jamaica, September 4, 2024 – The People's National Party (PNP) has strongly denounced the hastily called by-election in North East St. Ann by Prime Minister Andrew Holness, viewing it as a last-ditch effort by a floundering administration in its final months.

PNP President Mark Golding stated, "This 'Nicodemus-type' election, announced less than 24 hours after the MP's resignation, is a clear sign of a government on the ropes, desperately clinging to power."

The PNP emphasizes several critical points:

1. Government in Crisis: The Holness Administration is in the fifth and final year of its term, facing plummeting popularity. Recent events have exposed a government in disarray, struggling to maintain public support.
2. Unprecedented Haste: The breakneck speed of this announcement raises serious questions about the government's motives and transparency.
3. Neglect of Southern Trelawny: For a full year - a quarter of this Parliament's life - Southern Trelawny has been without representation, highlighting the government's selective approach to democracy.
4. Disregard for Morant Bay: The people of Morant Bay have been denied their right to elect a Councillor within the legally mandated 90-day period, further illustrating the government's neglect.
5. Hypocritical Double Standards: Golding pointed out, "It is highly significant that Parliament in 2016 legislated against by-elections for Municipal Corporations within a 12-month period leading up to local government elections. Yet, here we are, with the government rushing to hold a parliamentary by-election on the brink of general elections. This hypocrisy is staggering."

Given these circumstances, the PNP announces it will not participate in this questionably motivated by-election. "We are preparing for general elections to allow Jamaicans to vote out this failing government. Contesting this by-election would only legitimize their desperate tactics," Golding explained.

The PNP reaffirms its commitment to strengthening Jamaica's democracy and ensuring fair representation for all citizens. We call on the government to address the neglected electoral needs in Southern Trelawny and Morant Bay, and to adhere to the same principles they legislated for municipal elections.

The party will, however, contest the legally mandated local government by-elections, as these are crucial for local representation over the next three and a half years.

"As this government gasps its last breaths, our focus remains on giving every Jamaican a voice and preparing to lead our nation towards a brighter future," Golding concluded. "We will not be party to this administration's final attempts to manipulate the electoral process."

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