Advertisement

Political Ombudsman investigating eight complaints received since March

 
The Political Ombudsman says it is actively and carefully investigating eight complaints from political parties and advocacy groups since March as campaigning intensifies ahead of the general election. 
 
Details of the complaints were not provided. 
 
It was revealed in May that the office, located within the Electoral Commission of Jamaica, was investigating a complaint lodged by the People's National Party against Mayor of Montego Bay Richard Vernon after he directed that political posters be removed from certain locations in the second city. 
 
That matter is before the court. 
 
The Political Ombudsman says as the office maintains a watchful eye on the conduct of political parties and candidates, it has taken note of flags, display boards and other paraphernalia erected as well as public utterances from political actors. 
 
The Ombudsman further states that it has been in dialogue with the general secretaries of the People's National Party and Jamaica Labour Party concerning complaints raised against their members and their continued commitment to maintaining the highest standards of political conduct. 
 
Political players and members of the public are being reminded that intimidation, inflammatory political speech, public disorder, defacement of political material and conduct deemed contrary to the spirit of non-confrontational and peaceful campaigning are against the code of political conduct. 
 
The Office of the Political Ombudsman is also appealing to the public to use the available channels to submit reports on perceived breaches of the code of political conduct. 


Most Popular