KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS) – The House of Representatives has approved the Representation of the People (Amendment) Act, which deals with the issue of campaign financing in Jamaica.

The rationale for this action is the recognition for the need to bolster transparency and accountability of elected officials, and reduce corruption and improper influence in public life, thereby encouraging greater confidence in the political process.

In closing the debate on the Bill, on Tuesday, Minister of Science, Technology, Energy and MiningPhillip Paulwell, said he is pleased that there are no further amendments to the Bill.

“I am pleased that the tradition is going to hold in relation to the recommendations from the Electoral Commission of Jamaica (ECJ),” the minister said.

Paulwell, who has responsibility for electoral matters, cited the Principal Act which places a cap of $10 million for each candidate to spend during an electoral period.

“In relation to the limit of $10 million, in 2011 this limit was imposed by law and so it is not properly before us today, because it was already established by law. What is a shortcoming in the law is that it really should be subjected to constant review by this Parliament and what I am proposing is that the matter be referred back to the ECJ,” 

Paulwell said.

“I have asked the Chairman…to reflect on the amount and to report back to Parliament,” he noted.

He said the matter should be concluded quickly, and that a proviso be included, so that, from time to time, based on inflation, “we can in fact do reasonable amendments to that figure.”

Other changes that have been proposed under the Bill deal with sources of contributions; and permissible and impermissible donors, among others.

The Bill seeks to implement recommendations set out in the report on campaign financing prepared by the ECJ.