KINGSTON, Jamaica — Prime Minister Andrew Holness says plans are afoot for a fixed election date.

Holness, on the campaign trail leading up to the February 25 General Election, promised to implement this if his Jamaica Labour Party won the election.

Holness today told the House, during his contribution to the budget, that he has instructed Justice Minister Delroy Chuck to table a Ministry Paper and draft legislation for the fixing of election dates.

The prime minister said if the country is serious about fiscal discipline, this is a necessary move.

“…If we are serious about fiscal discipline and obeying our own fiscal rules, elections can no longer be allowed to supervene the fiscal cycle. Neither should the country be disrupted by protracted periods of uncertainty; mobilising, demobilising and then mobilising again according to political expediency,” Holness said.

He said this comes at a significant cost to business and delays the growth agenda.

“The experience underscores the reason why Jamaica must move to a fixed election date. To this end, I have given instructions to the minister of justice to table a ministry paper and draft legislation for the fixing of election dates,” he added.

He stressed that it is a critical plank of the growth agenda, which is to reduce the uncertainty of government action, reduce time for decisions, flatten hierarchical structures, and speed up bureaucratic processes.

“This will reduce political risks and government-related risks in seven investments, thereby making Jamaica a more competitive environment,” said Holness.