KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Supreme Court has refused an application for judicial review by Paul Buchanan, the People’s National Party (PNP) candidate for St Andrew West Central in the September 3 general election, over his challenge of the poll results due to what he said were irregularities.

The court in its decision cited expiration of the statutory period for challenging election results as the main reason.

Buchanan had sought to challenge the outcome of the general election and asked the court to declare the results void.

According to the court, the statutory period for challenging election results had already expired, making any review meaningless. The judge noted that Buchanan’s complaints were fact-specific to the constituency and did not raise issues of wider public importance that could not be addressed through an election petition.

While acknowledging that the Constituted Authority is subject to judicial review, the court held that Buchanan failed to establish an arguable ground. The ruling emphasised that strict timelines govern election matters, and although Buchanan filed his application within the three-month maximum allowed under civil procedure rules, he was still required to act “promptly.”

The delay between the Authority’s September 30 decision and his October 8 application was deemed insufficiently explained and indicated a lack of urgency.

READ: Supreme Court to hear Buchanan’s application for judicial review

As a result, the court dismissed the application for leave.