Samuda could be elected by acclamation in St Ann North East

Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) candidate Matthew Samuda could be declared the Member of Parliament for the St Ann North East constituency today, if no other candidate turns up to be nominated to run in the September 30 by-election.

The by-election was called after Marsha Smith resigned as the constituency's member of parliament.

However, with the Opposition People's National Party (PNP) not contesting the poll, and with no indication, up to now, that any independent candidate will emerge, Samuda, when duly nominated, could be elected by acclamation.

Under Section 27(1) of the Representation of the People Act: “Whenever only one candidate has been nominated within the time fixed for that purpose the returning officer shall forthwith make his return to the Chief Electoral Officer, in the form set out in the Second Schedule, that such candidate is duly elected for the said constituency and shall send within forty-eight hours a duplicate or certified copy of such return to the person elected."

Election by acclamation is not new to Jamaica and was highlighted by the PNP's boycott of the snap general election called by then Prime Minister Edward Seaga in 1983.

Former Prime Minister Michael Manley, leader of the PNP at the time, said his party boycotted the election to protest the JLP's refusal to update the voters' list used in the 1980 election, amid allegations of voter fraud.

Samuda's election should see the JLP maintain its 49-14 majority in parliament.

- Carl Gilchrist

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