JLP slams ‘political mischief’ amid PNP election concerns
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) Spokesperson Kamina Johnson Smith has hit out at a recent statement from the People’s National Party (PNP), which expressed concerns over reports of vote-buying, voter suppression, significant delays at polling stations, and other discrepancies during Wednesday’s general election.
In a statement Saturday afternoon, Johnson Smith described the PNP’s statement as “highly disappointing” and a confirmation that “the Mark Golding-led party has not learnt the lesson taught to them by the people of Jamaica on Thursday, that arrogance, manufactured narratives, propaganda, lies and political mischief will not find favour with most Jamaicans”.
Earlier Saturday, the PNP, citing irregularities during Wednesday’s general election, including claims that individuals in line by 5:00 pm were not allowed to cast their ballots, said such actions undermine every Jamaican’s fundamental right to choose their representatives without fear or inducement.
READ: PNP concerned over reports of vote buying and voter suppression in General Election
But Johnson Smith pointed to preliminary reports of both the Caribbean Community’s (Caricom) and the Organization of American States’ (OAS) electoral observation missions, which praised Jamaica’s electoral process.
“Jamaica’s electoral processes and tradition of peaceful transition of power continue to be models for developed and developing countries alike and should therefore remain a source of pride, even as we note that there is always room for improvement and that we should always remain vigilant about activities which could put our democracy at risk,” she said.
The spokesperson further noted that the JLP is also in the process of looking into feedback from its candidates regarding allegations of improper conduct by the PNP.
Johnson Smith also reminded the PNP that “they should not only love their country when in government or pretend to love it when vying for the people’s vote, as we are a proud people, such that everyone who chooses Jamaica will always see through such conduct”.
