Bunting backs Fisher with claims of political influence at ECJ

 

Peter Bunting, a former member of the Electoral Commisson of Jamaica (ECJ), has come to the defence of former director of elections Orrette Fisher, after he accused a current commissioner of political influence.

 

Mr. Fisher outlined the allegation in his resignation letter to the ECJ earlier this year. 

 

But Mr. Bunting says the incidents occurred during the time he served as a commissioner on behalf of the People's National Party.

 

He made the remarks at a PNP meeting at Manchester High School on Sunday night.

 

Mr. Bunting claimed that Mr. Fisher was subjected to personal attacks by the ECJ member. 

 

"You know when somebody tek set pon somebody?... From the man come on the commission, him tek set on the director. I don't know what the director do him... And don't make anybody make you believe that this was some sort of heated discussions on matters of principle that we differed on. No. It was in a very personal way, questioning the integrity of the man, challenging his professionalism," Mr. Bunting recalled.  

 

He suggested that interventions were made at that time to prevent the matter escalating.

 

However, he levelled criticism against the ECJ's independent commissioners for allowing the matter to reach this stage.

 

He has called for Prime Minister Andrew Holness to remove the ECJ commissioner.

 

Mr. Bunting said the integrity of the Electoral Commission of Jamaica is being undermined because of what he says was Mr. Fisher's forced departure.