LEADER of Opposition Business in the House of Representatives Phillip Paulwell said yesterday that the Opposition wants legislation for political parties registration and campaign financing to be completed before the next general election.

“We don’t believe that we should proceed to further elections without these regulations being in place, “ Paulwell said, after House Leader Derrick Smith had opened the debate on the regulations.The regulations being debated are related to the registration, regulation and financing of political parties.Paulwell noted that the regulations fulfil the provisions of the legislation, which was passed in October 2014, and have the full support of the Opposition.He said that they will give effect to the provisions of that Bill, and fulfil the desire on the part of Parliament to have more transparency in the operations of political parties.He also noted that it was a companion measure to the legislation regarding campaign financing, which has also been approved by Parliament and is till awaiting approval of its regulations.The National Integrity Action, led by former parliamentarian Dr Trevor Munroe, has consistently insisted that both party registration and campaign finance regulation are required by International Conventions ratified by Jamaica — The United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC, 2005), and the Inter-American Convention Against Corruption (IACAC, 1997).Paulwell, whose commitment to have the campaign financing regulations introduced in the House by the end of 2013 was not met, said yesterday that he hoped that by the time the House leader closes this debate, he will be able to give an indication of the timetable for the regulations which are still outstanding.