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Last Updated: Feb 13, 2017 - 1:45:37 AM |
 The
Electoral Observation Mission of the Organization of American States
(OAS/EOM) to the February 25 General Parliamentary Elections in Jamaica
highlighted good practices and formulated recommendations to further
assist the country in its efforts to continue strengthening its
electoral process.
The OAS/EOM, headed by former Attorney General
and Minister of Foreign Affairs of The Bahamas, Janet G. Bostwick, was
composed of 23 international observers from 17 countries, who were
present in thirteen parishes across the country, and visited 367 polling
stations. The Mission’s report
highlighted the positive practices of the Jamaican electoral tradition
and commended the implementation of recommendations formulated by
previous OAS Missions on campaign finance, electoral technology, gender
representation and establishment of a Media Monitoring Unit (MMU).
The
OAS/EOM also referred to characteristics of the Jamaican electoral
process that make it a good example for the region, including the
institution of the political ombudsman, the independence of the
electoral authority, and the early invitation extended to international
observers. The Mission praised the work of the Electoral Commission of
Jamaica and the efficiency demonstrated in the tabulation, transmission
and release of the preliminary voting results. The report included
further recommendations on electoral organization and voter
participation.
The EOM took note of the declining voter turnout
and recommended re-doubling voter education and public awareness
campaigns, especially to energize new voters. The Mission also noted the
incidents of violence which occurred prior to and on Election Day,
which do not support the electoral process and have no place in a
democracy.
The Mission acknowledged the openness and generosity
of electoral authorities and the numerous stakeholders, including all
citizens, in facilitating the Mission’s work. A detailed report on the
observations and recommendations of the OAS Mission will be presented to
the OAS Permanent Council in Washington, D.C. The OAS Mission in
Jamaica was possible thanks to the general support of the governments of
Argentina, South Korea, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the United
States.
© Copyright 2016 by thebahamasweekly.com
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