Stalemate on Seiveright Gardens by-election

 

 

Director of Elections Glasspole Brown is awaiting direction from the Electoral Commission of Jamaica on how to proceed with the by-election in the Seivwright Gardens division.

 

This after attorneys representing Mayor of Kingston Andrew Swaby wrote a letter to him demanding the halt of any arrangements until Mr Brown has consulted with their client.

 

The ECJ is reportedly seeking a legal opinion on the matter ahead of nomination day on Monday.

 

According to The Gleaner, in the letter, dated August 12, Mr Swaby's attorneys at Luke Phillips & Co said the proper procedure for scheduling the by-election was not followed.

 

These include the notice of resignation, publication of the notice in the daily newspapers and consultation between the Chairman of the Municipal Corporation and the Chief Electoral Officer.

 

Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness and Minister of Local Government Desmond McKenzie on Sunday announced that by-elections in four local government divisions in the Kingston & St Andrew Municipal Corporation will be held on September 3 in tandem with the general election.

 

Delroy Williams, who is expected to contest the Clarendon Central seat in the general election, resigned as the councillor for the Seivwright Gardens Division in a letter dated August 8.

 

But Mayor Swaby, through his attorneys, is contending that he did not receive the official notice of resignation from Mr Williams, until August 11 and has not had the opportunity to consult with Director of Elections Glasspole Brown on an appropriate date for the scheduling of the by-election.

 

A letter raising the concerns was also sent Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzie.