ECJ appoints political ombudsman

 

The Electoral Commission of Jamaica (ECJ) has appointed an individual to carry out the role of political ombudsman ahead of the upcoming general election. 

 

It follows mounting calls for the reinstatement of an independent office of the political ombudsman. 

 

This was disclosed Wednesay afternoon by Minister of Justice Delroy Chuck. 

 

"I have been advised that an individual has been appointed to carry out the field functions previously conducted by the then stand-alone political ombudsman. I understand that the Electoral Commission of Jamaica has also been undertaking the work of the political ombudsman to include receiving complaints and related matters concerning the previously held local government elections," he disclosed. 

 

Minister Chuck sought to make it clear that the $60 million provided for in the budget for the 2024-25 financial year for matters related to the role and functions of that office was not used by the ECJ. "It appears that expenses in relation to the role and function of the political ombudsman is funded from the ECJ's budget," he explained.  

 

The minister said the ECJ must now provide details of the appointee to the public, including the terms and engagement of the individual as well as how members of the public can contact that office with election related matters. 

 

The office of the political ombudsman was integrated into the Electoral Commission of Jamaica last year, but the parliamentary opposition has complained that the ECJ is not equipped to deal with matters pertaining to political misconduct. 

 

Meanwhile, Citizens Action for Free and Fair Elections (CAFFE) has charged that it is not too late for a reversal of the 2024 legislative amendment to transfer the role of political ombudsman to the nine commissioners of the ECJ, which comprises four political appointees.