KINGSTON, Jamaica— The People’s National Party (PNP) has sought to explain its decision to reject Craig Oates as the party’s candidate for the Hanover Eastern constituency.

A release from the PNP on Sunday stated that in January 2023, the party opened applications for the candidacy of Hanover Eastern and two people, David Tulloch and Craig Oates, applied.

Tulloch later withdrew his candidacy, leaving Oates as the sole contender for the position.

PNP General Secretary Dr Dayton Campbell explained that the party’s candidate selection process is a rigorous one, in which each applicant has to undergo thorough evaluation before being confirmed in the constituency.

The release went on to outline the three main reasons for the party’s rejection of Oates as the PNP candidate.

It stated:

“Failure to Meet Internal Requirements: In March, the regional appraisal committee conducted a comprehensive review of Mr Oates’ candidacy. The committee unanimously agreed that he was not suitable for the role and did not recommend him as the candidate for Eastern Hanover.

“Unfavourable Poll Findings: Two Independent poll findings revealed that Mr Craig Oates did not meet the standard required by the party in order to be selected as the candidate.

“Failure to satisfy terms of Work Programme: Mr Oates, as the sole applicant remaining in the process, was placed on a three-month programme of work in July 2023 to improve his ratings, Mr Oates was overseas for more than two-thirds of the period of his work programme.”

The release added that in September, an updated poll findings showed no improvement in Oates’ rating. Following this, a recommendation was made for an additional three months to be given to Oates; however, the Regional Management Committee unanimously voted against such extension.

“This decision was brought to the Executive of the party where it was also unanimously decided that no extension be given and that he would not be the party’s candidate for the constituency. Mr Oates was duly advised of these decisions,” the release said.

Last week, PNP President Mark Golding said the party will, at the appropriate time, reveal who has been selected to represent it in Hanover Eastern in the next general election.

“I don’t want to discuss that yet. You will hear in due course,” Golding told journalists following a spot meeting at Johns Hall in St James East Central on Wednesday.

READ: PNP not convinced Oates could win Hanover Eastern

“The People’s National Party remains committed to transparency, integrity, and the democratic process. The decision not to confirm Mr. Craig Oates as the PNP candidate for Eastern Hanover is in line with these principles and is made with the best interests of the constituents at heart,” Sunday’s release stated.

“The PNP will continue to work diligently to ensure that the Eastern Hanover constituency is represented by a candidate who aligns with the party’s values and is dedicated to the well-being of the people,” it concluded.