THE People’s National Party (PNP) this afternoon reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the Constitution in light of a court challenge to Sharon Hay-Webster’s eligibility to sit in Parliament, filed by the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP).Related story: Supreme Court petition filed to oust Hay-Webster

In a statement today, the party said it will uphold the Constitution, “which states that no person who swears allegiance to a foreign power is eligible to sit in the House of Representatives.

“In relation to the action filed by the JLP in court against Sharon Hay-Webster, the legal advice proffered by her lawyers is that her case is unique and different to those that have been adjudicated in the courts,” the PNP said.

“The party maintains that the only competent authority to determine the eligibility of a Member of Parliament (MP) is the courts. The party will accept and abide by any ruling of the courts on this issue.”

The PNP also said it was anxiously awaiting the ruling of the Privy Council in the Ian Hayles case, where a procedural matter is to be tested.

“This relates to court action being brought against a Member of Parliament outside of the time frame allowed under the Election Petitions Act,” the party said.

“The party believes this matter goes to the heart of the stability of the democracy that we practice and opens up the possibility for frivolous attacks against sitting MPs. The issue is also relevant to the proceedings that have now been filed against Sharon Hay Webster,” the PNP said.