Mayor of Montego Bay Richard Vernon - file photo
Mayor of Montego Bay Richard Vernon has confirmed receipt of a letter from the Office of the Political Ombudsman that requested that he provide a written explanation outlining the legal authority and basis for the decision to remove campaign posters.
Mr. Vernon says the letter, dated April 25 under the signature of Electoral Commission of Jamaica Chairman Earl Jarrett, was received Wednesday evening.
He added that the matter is in the hands of legal counsel for the St. James Municipal Corporation.
They have until May 6 to respond.
The intervention by the political ombudsman's office follows a complaint from the People's National Party after the advertising boards of three of its prospective candidates were removed during a clampdown by the municipal corporation.
Mr. Vernon, among other things, argued that the municipal authority had not given any approval for such displays.
The letter to the Montego Bay mayor said while the ombudsman awaits his response, without taking any position as yet, the current period constitutes an active campaign period in the lead-up to the general election this year.
In the meantime, the three PNP prospective candidates have filed for leave to apply for judicial review in the Supreme Court against the decision of the St. James Municipal Corporation to remove their political advertising.
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