Dear Editor,

The last time Jamaicans went to the polls in a parliamentary election was on September 3, 2020. In that election cycle, the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) defeated the People’s National Party (PNP). This election defeat resulted in the JLP being at the helm of Government when the 14th Parliament of Jamaica was convened in Gordon House on September 15, 2020.

Based on this timeline and provisions in the constitution of Jamaica, the present Jamaican Parliament will be automatically dissolved on September 15, 2025. However, the prime minister of Jamaica, Dr Andrew Holness, may decide to advise the governor general of Jamaica, Patrick Allen, to dissolve the Parliament earlier. It is also important to note that following the dissolution of Parliament the general election is constitutionally due within three months.

Holness’s recent pronouncements suggesting that Jamaica does not need an Opposition party because the JLP supporters hold the party accountable is dangerous for Jamaica’s |democracy.

Given the backlash from these pronouncements, I believe the prime minister should let good sense prevail and call the general election before the automatic dissolution of Parliament.

We normally hear comments like the one uttered by the prime minister coming from dictators. We also see dictators holding on to power for as long as they can, oftentimes violating democratic principles and constitutional provisions. While operating a Government after the automatic dissolution of Parliament is allowed under Jamaica’s constitution, I do not believe that Holnesss should go down this road given his track record in the courts on constitutional breaches.

If he decides to prolong his Government beyond his five-year term, whether this time period is within constitutional guidelines or not, this could become a political albatross for him and the governing JLP. This action could result in continued public backlash, further legal tangling around interpretation of the constitution, and the loss of confidence in Jamaica’s long-standing democratic principles both locally and internationally.

This is not the narrative or distraction the prime minister wants to create for himself going into a general election.

Dr Nathaniel Muir

Educator

nathanielmuir@gmail.com