Supreme Court to hear PNP’s Paul Buchanan election challenge on Nov. 18
Key Points(5)
- The Supreme Court has scheduled November 18 to hear the judicial review application filed by defeated PNP candidate Paul Buchanan, who is challenging the rejection of his bid to overturn Prime Minister Andrew Holness’ victory in West Central St.
- The date was set during a case management hearing on Tuesday.
- The court ruled that relevant documents be served on Prime Minister Holness and Attorney General Dr.
- Derrick McKoy, who will represent the Constituted Authority.
- Buchanan is seeking judicial review of the authority’s decision to dismiss his attempt to contest the September 3 General Election results in the constituency.
The Supreme Court has scheduled November 18 to hear the judicial review application filed by defeated PNP candidate Paul Buchanan, who is challenging the rejection of his bid to overturn Prime Minister Andrew Holness’ victory in West Central St. Andrew.
The date was set during a case management hearing on Tuesday. The court ruled that relevant documents be served on Prime Minister Holness and Attorney General Dr. Derrick McKoy, who will represent the Constituted Authority.
Buchanan is seeking judicial review of the authority’s decision to dismiss his attempt to contest the September 3 General Election results in the constituency. Holness won the seat with 7,090 votes to Buchanan’s 4,980.
Despite the official results, Buchanan continues to insist he won, citing alleged irregularities. The Electoral Commission, however, stated that after reviewing the affidavits and relevant case law, the Constituted Authority found that Buchanan’s evidence did not meet the legal standard required to overturn the election.
Represented by attorney Hugh Wildman, Buchanan filed the Supreme Court application for permission to seek judicial review following the authority’s refusal. The authority had relied on section 37(e) of the Election Petition Act, which outlines grounds for voiding an election, but concluded that Buchanan’s affidavits were insufficient.
The Supreme Court hearing next month will determine whether Buchanan can proceed with his challenge to the West Central St. Andrew election outcome.
