“Call It, Andrew!” Grows Louder as Election Date Lingers
As anticipation builds across Jamaica, the announcement of the next general election date remains pending.
Despite growing demands for clarity, the governing Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) has maintained that the timeline for calling the election remains within legal bounds.
Prime Minister Andrew Holness, who holds the constitutional authority to announce the date, has not indicated when the country will head to the polls.
The last general election was held on September 3, 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, nearly a year ahead of schedule.
With Jamaica’s election cycle allowing up to five years between general elections, the current administration remains within its mandate.
Calls for an election date have grown louder in recent weeks, particularly from the opposition People’s National Party (PNP), whose supporters have made “Call it, Andrew, call it” a frequent chant at rallies.
The PNP continues to press the government for a date, suggesting that the delay may be politically motivated.
Dr. Christopher Tufton, chairman of the JLP’s campaign committee, dismissed the pressure, calling the demands irrelevant and characterising the rhetoric as mere political theatre.
Tufton also confirmed that the JLP has officially begun its campaign, launching a booklet highlighting 256 achievements under the current administration. He insisted that the Prime Minister would call the election “when he sees fit,” reiterating that the ruling party is ready to seek another term in office.
Meanwhile, JLP General Secretary Dr. Horace Chang said the party is committed to conducting a peaceful campaign and denounced threats or acts of violence.
His comments followed reports of widespread vandalism of campaign paraphernalia, including posters and banners.
The Office of the Political Ombudsman has received multiple complaints of politically motivated destruction of property, which officials warn could fuel intimidation and retaliation.
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