Kamina Johnson Smith, Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) spokesperson, has pushed back against a statement from the People’s National Party (PNP) raising concerns about alleged vote buying, voter suppression, long delays at polling stations, and other irregularities during Wednesday’s general elections.
In a statement released Saturday, Johnson Smith described the PNP’s claims as “highly disappointed” and said they reflect that “the Mark Golding-led party has not learned the lesson taught to it by the people on Thursday: that arrogance and manufactured narratives will not be welcomed by most Jamaicans.”
The PNP had earlier expressed concern that some voters reportedly in line before 5:00 p.m. were unable to cast ballots, which they said undermined Jamaicans’ fundamental right to elect their representatives freely.
Johnson Smith cited preliminary assessments from the Organization of American States (OAS) and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), which commended Jamaica’s electoral process.
“Jamaica’s electoral processes and its tradition of peaceful power transition continue to be models for both developed and developing countries and should remain a source of pride, even though we note there is still room for improvement. We should also remain vigilant against activities that could put our democracy in danger,” she said.
The spokesperson added that the JLP is reviewing feedback from its candidates regarding the PNP’s allegations of improper conduct and reminded the opposition that “they should love their country while in government, or pretend to love when they are competing for the people’s votes, as we are such a proud people that everyone who chooses Jamaica will always see through this conduct.”
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