Five minor political parties form alliance to push for comprehensive constitutional change

Five smaller political parties have joined forces to form The Jamaica Unity Alliance (JUA), which will be dedicated to championing comprehensive constitutional change.

The alliance includes the Jamaica Patriotic Movement (JPM), Marcus Garvey People Political Party (MGPPP), National Democratic Movement (NDM), Up Jamaica, Movement Of The People, Ltd (UP JAMAICA), and Tancour United Independent Congress (TANCOUR), who have agreed to campaign for constitutional change with the intent of pursuing an executive presidency election platform.

In a press release today, the organisation said “this historical endeavour is the first attempt at such a unity in the nation's history”, which is “a groundbreaking development that heralds in a new era in political collaboration”.

“The Jamaica Unity Alliance came out of the All Island Conference of Patriots organised by the Jamaica Patriotic Movement on Sunday, August 20, 2023. This historic conference included organisations seeking to find a common ground to address an alternative to what they deemed the continuous failed leadership of Jamaica,” said the entity.

The Jamaica Unity Alliance's leaders are scheduled to hold a joint press conference after the local government elections, where they will formally announce the launch of their concerted efforts and outline their roadmap for advancing constitutional change.

It is scheduled to be held on March 6 at the Medallion Hall Hotel in St Andrew.

“This historic alliance represents a beacon of hope for all those who believe in the transformative power of democratic change and the imperative of a constitutional framework that truly serves the people,” the organisation said.

“The alliance represents a diverse array of political ideologies and regional interests, united by a shared resolve to address the imperative need for constitutional change.”

In 2022, Jamaica announced it would begin the process that would remove the British Crown as head of state by 2025.

“Recognising the fundamental shortcomings of the existing constitutional framework, the alliance is steadfast in its determination to engage in a collaborative and inclusive process that will lead to the drafting and advocacy of a new constitution reflective of the people's aspirations and values,” said the organisers.

“The alliance, by opting to not contest the upcoming local government elections, have resolved to use this time to consolidate their alliance, to harness the post-election period to engage with experts, civil society organisations, and the public in extensive consultations, ensuring that a wide spectrum of voices is heard and considered in the formulation of their constitutional change agenda.”

They added, “By taking this inclusive and participatory approach, the alliance aims to ensure that the reimagining of the foundational governance document reflects the diverse perspectives and aspirations of the nation.”

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