KINGSTON, Jamaica — Political Ombudsman, Donna Parchment has cautioned political party supporters to keep their enthusiasm in check, as her office will be maintaining intense vigilance in the lead up to the November 28 Local Government Election.

“Let us remember we are not permitted to deface buildings… we are not allowed to paint up public or private buildings in furtherance of our own political agenda, and I will be coming down really strongly on those candidates in whose name the defacing of buildings is done,” she stated.

Parchment stressed that: “We are at a time when we can contest elections without resorting to what would have, in the past, been known as political tribalism.  We have come very far through the work of the parties, the electoral commission, the electoral office and other stakeholders”.

The political ombudsman further urged the political leadership, candidates and supporters to commit, in this election, to refrain from behaving in a manner that could be deemed as tribal.

Her comments come days after councillor candidates were nominated to represent their parties.

Alphea Saunders