KINGSTON, Jamaica – Opposition Leader Mark Golding has withdrawn his “dead voters” comment in the face of unrelenting criticism, and despite his previous efforts to clarify his position.

Speaking in the St Andrew East Rural constituency on Sunday to introduce Patrick Peterkin as the People’s National Party (PNP) candidate for the next general election, the PNP president appeared to encourage the casting of ballots in the names of dead voters.

“We have fi mek sure seh every Comrade who voted fi the People’s National Party in 2011 and delivered the victory, if they’re still alive, dem haffi go vote fi Comrade Patrick Peterkin when the election call — and even some who not alive, yu know, if dem can deal wid it, no problem, because as dem seh a we name power, power party,” Golding said.

He has faced backlash from a wide cross-section of society for the comments, which he has since said were and taken out of context and meant to be humorous.

READ: PNP says Golding’s ‘dead Comrades’ comment intended as ‘humour’

He withdrew the remarks on Wednesday during a press conference at the PNP’s Old Hope Road headquarters.

“On Sunday, at the constituency conference for East Rural St Andrew, I made some remarks which were really off the cuff and were a response to some banter in the crowd. The remarks were intended to be humorous, and were not intended to be taken seriously,” Golding said.

“I realise, however, that some people have interpreted those remarks as a serious statement of my position on the matter. That is not the case and I unreservedly withdraw and retract those remarks,” he added.

The opposition leader said he was fully committed to Jamaica having a free and fair electoral system “so that our democratic elections are conducted to the highest standard of fairness”.

“I’m fully committed to the elimination of all forms of electoral malpractice and therefore I have no hesitation in withdrawing those remarks,” he said.

His withdrawal of the comments comes hours after the member of parliament for Western Portland Daryl Vaz, moved a censure motion against Golding in the House of Representatives over the “dead voters” comment.

Vaz had insisted that Golding withdraw and or apologise or face the consequences of a censure when the House resumes its sittings after the summer break.

READ: Gov’t MPs threaten Golding with censure over dead voters comment

On Monday, Dr Horace Chang, general secretary for the Jamaica Labour Party, shared that “Jamaica has made significant strides in securing free and fair elections, fostering a transparent and accountable electoral system that upholds the principles of democracy” and said Golding’s “alarming endorsement of such unethical practices raises serious concerns about his commitment to our nation’s democratic values.”

Chang went on to state that although Jamaicans should not be too surprised by Golding’s remarks, citizens should be disappointed at the Opposition’s “desperation to seize power at any cost.”

READ: JLP accuses Golding of encouraging electoral fraud after ‘dead Comrades’ remarks