ECJ's political ombudsman unit dismisses concern about possible bias

 

Head of the unit coordinating the activities of the Office of the Political Ombudsman at the Electoral Commission of Jamaica (ECJ), Llofraun Thompson, has sought to put to rest any concern over political interference or bias in the work of the unit. 

 

The duties of political ombudsman are being executed by the Electoral Commission, which has among its members appointees from the two main political parties. 

 

Questions have been raised about the potential for bias in the work of the ombudsman due to the composition of the ECJ. 

 

But, Ms. Thompson points out that the independent commissioners play a key role in the decision-making process.

 

"There will be political concerns, but in terms of coming to a decision, I am confident that the commissioners...look to examine issues as a matter of there being equity, subscribing to the rule of law and really operating for the public interest. If it is that there is a point and issue that separates or is contentious, the independent commissioners have a responsibility to arrive at the decision," she suggested. 

 

Ms. Thompson was speaking Wednesday on Radio Jamaica's Beyond the Headlines.