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The Office of the Political Ombudsman has asked Mayor of Montego Bay Richard Vernon for a written explanation outlining the basis on which campaign posters of prospective candidates for the Opposition party have been removed by the St James Municipal Corporation.

In a letter signed by Chairman of the Electoral Commission of Jamaica (ECJ) Earl Jarrett, whose office assumed the role in 2024, Vernon was asked to do so by May 6, following a complaint file by the Opposition People’s National Party (PNP).

“ In accordance with the responsibilities assigned to this Office under the Political Ombudsman (Interim) (Amendment) Act, 2024, we request a written explanation of your action and an outline of the legal authority and basis upon which the removal of the aforementioned campaign materials was carried out,” a letter from the political ombudsman dated April 25, 2024 said.

The document, a copy of which was seen by The Gleaner, said while the ombudsman awaits a response from Vernon and without taking any position as yet, the current period constitutes an active campaign period in the lead-up to the general election, which it said is constitutionally due in September 2025.

The ombudsman said guidance on the commencement of the campaign period is provided under Section 2(1) of the Representation of the People (Amendment) Act, 2016.

Under the section, campaign period means, in relation to a general election, and commences on the earlier of: (a) the day immediately following the last day of the period of 54 months from the commencement of the term of office of the Government (or such other period as the ECJ may, by order, subject to affirmative resolution, prescribe); or

(b) the day on which the date for an election is officially announced by or on behalf of the prime minister.

ELECTION LAWS

The campaign period ends 24 hours before the time fixed for the opening of the poll on election day, the ombudsman reiterated.

“ In keeping with the above, the campaign period commenced on 15 March 2025. We request that your response be submitted no later than 6 May 2025, to enable this Office to assess the matter appropriately and in a timely manner.

“ We look forward to your cooperation as we continue to discharge our mandate to uphold democratic principles and ensure fairness in the electoral process,” the letter to Vernon said.

There has been mounting tension between Vernon and the Opposition over the removal of posters for its candidates, with the latter threatening court action.

The PNP has insisted that the decision, which it blamed Vernon for, is “a type of politics that comes because of desperation”. The party accused Vernon, a representative of the governing Jamaica Labour Party, of playing politics.

The Opposition party has argued that the country is within the campaign period. The party also cited provisions in the Town and Country Planning (Control of Advertising) Regulations, wherein advertising relating specifically to an independent parliamentary or local election may be undertaken without the express consent of the municipal authority.

Two week ago, tempers flared at a St James Municipal Corporation meeting after Vernon shot down attempts by PNP councillors to challenge his authority to remove political banners and paraphernalia erected across the parish.

Vernon had announced earlier in April that the corporation would ban the placement of political signage in St James ahead of any announcement of an official date for the impending general election.

He said then that all prospective candidates were to remove all political campaign material from the streets of St James by April 5 or face hefty penalties.

He said the municipal authority had not given any approval for such displays.

kimone.francis@gleanerjm.com