PNP considers action to address ‘irregularities’ in PM’s constituency
KINGSTON, Jamaica — People’s National Party President (PNP) Mark Golding says the party is examining the next step to address what he deemed as “irregularities” in the St Andrew West Central constituency during the September 3 general election.
Golding, however, did not disclose the nature of the alleged irregularities.
“In the case of West Central St Andrew, however, the nature of the irregularities which took place there is being carefully scrutinised in anticipation of a case being brought to the constituted authority for appropriate relief. I won’t be able to answer more questions on that today (Thursday), that matter is with our lawyers,” Golding said, while speaking at a press conference at the PNP headquarters on Thursday.
Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) Leader Dr Andrew Holness was declared the winner of St Andrew West Central, amassing 7,054 votes while the PNP’s Paul Buchanan secured 4,953 votes.
In the meantime, Golding noted that after careful review of the official election results, the party will not be pursuing a magisterial recount for the other 62 constituencies.
“Having waited for the final count to establish the official results in each constituency, including ascertaining the number of spoiled or rejected ballots and how these were apportioned between the two parties, the advice that we have received from our lawyers who attended the final counts is that a magisterial recount is unlikely to change the outcome in any of the seats,” he said.
The EOJ had addressed initial reports of irregularities during the general election, particularly dismissing claims of missing and uncounted ballot boxes as well as reports of spoiled ballots in one constituency.
— Vanassa McKenzie
