General Election Free And Fair – CARICOM Observer Mission

Chief of Mission for the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Electoral Observation Mission (EOM) to Jamaica, Josephine Tamai, says the General Election was conducted in a transparent manner.

“We believe it was free and fair…it was credible… the mission’s general assessment of the day’s activities is that the voters were able to cast their ballots without intimidation or harassment,” said Ms. Tamai.

She was speaking at a press conference held at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in New Kingston today (February 26), to present the mission’s assessment of the election held on Thursday (February 25).

The Chief of Mission noted that voting commenced promptly at 7:00 am at the polling stations visited by the five teams of the CARICOM EOM, and the centres were fully staffed, with adequate supplies of required materials and supplies.

“Representatives of the two major political parties were present in all areas observed. For the most part, polling stations were conveniently located and accessible to the public,” she said.

She noted that adequate security was in place at all locations and the officers displayed “a very professional approach, which contributed to the level of calm that accompanied the day’s activities.”

She further commended the “hard working and dedicated” staff of the Electoral Commission of Jamaica, poll workers, the political parties, candidates, and the people of Jamaica.

Meanwhile, Ms. Tamai recommended that the Government look into strengthening the Office of the Political Ombudsman, and consider placing polling stations further apart.

She said that more recommendations will be made in a fulsome report to be prepared and submitted to the Secretary General of CARICOM, His Excellency, Ambassador, Irwin LaRocque.