Assistant returning officer resigns amid investigation
Published:Tuesday | September 10, 2024 | 7:28 PM
The Electoral Office has confirmed that an assistant returning officer (ARO) has resigned amid investigations into allegations regarding the list of voters in the St Ann North East constituency.
Director of Elections Glasspole Brown confirmed the ongoing investigation in a letter dated September 3, 2024 and addressed to People's National Party (PNP) representative on the Electoral Commission Wentworth Skeffery.
The letter, obtained by The Gleaner, was in response to queries raised by Dr Ryan Simpson, the PNP caretaker for St Ann North East.
"We are carrying out the necessary investigation of the concerns highlighted by Dr Simpson and will provide an update to you when it is completed,” the letter said while noting that the ARO had tendered her resignation from the position, effective August 29.
“Please be assured that the integrity, transparency, and fairness of EOJ/ECJ operation and action is of paramount importance,” Brown added.
A by-election is set for September 30 in the St Ann North East constituency. Nomination day is September 11.
Matthew Samuda is expected to be nominated as the Jamaica Labour Party's candidate, while the PNP has said it will not contest the poll.
The by-election came as a result of the resignation of former Member of Parliament for the constituency Marsha Smith last week.
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