Opposition calls for ECJ to give details on political ombudsman appointment

 

Opposition spokesperson on Justice Senator Donna Scott Mottley is calling for the Electoral Commission of Jamaica (ECJ) to provide information on the individual it has appointed to take on the functions of the political ombudsman. 

 

Minister of Justice Delroy Chuck made the announcement on Wednesday. 

 

Senator Scott Mottley has described the ECJ's appointment as perplexing and troubling. She said to date, there has been no clear or transparent communication to Parliament or the public about who this individual is, what authority they possess, or how the investigative process is being conducted under this new arrangement. 

 

"While the minister now suggests someone is in place, our understanding is that no such formal appointment had been made until very recently, if at all. What we are witnessing is yet another attempt by this administration to force a square peg into a round hole in order to suit their own political purposes. The ECJ may be receiving complaints, but no one can say with confidence what investigatory framework exists, what standards are being applied, or whether complainants, ourselves included, can expect any resolution. We have submitted evidence, including visual material, regarding breaches and yet nothing has come of it," she complained. 

 

Mrs. Scott Mottley said the lack of clarity, the absence of accountability, and the disregard for due process only serve to erode public trust. 

 

"Jamaica deserves better when it comes to fairness and oversight in our electoral process. We therefore call on the ECJ to immediately clarify the terms of this engagement of this so-called field officer and to publish details on how members of the public can reliably and confidently engage with this office. Justice and democracy demand no less," she declared.