The police have ruled out politics as the reason behind the killing of the political activist in Clarendon South East. The Political Ombudsman Donna Parchment Brown is now urging candidates to follow the code of conduct in ensuring free and fair elections.
“We are aware that the Senior Superintendent in Clarendon has put a lot of energy and resources in looking at this matter- and I also contacted the Commissioner of the police on the matter,” said Parchment Brown. “I spoke with the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP ) candidate yesterday evening, that is Tuesday evening after the nomination day having spoken to People’s National Party (PNP) candidate before nomination day activities started. There is no information available from any source up to now to say that it is political.”
Recently, there was an incident in another constituency – Clarendon South Western where JLP candidate, Kent Gammon was allegedly prevented from campaigning in a community by PNP supporters. The incident was reported by Councillor Mcdonald to the Ombudsman who says that matter has been addressed.
“Mr. McDonald was already aware that Mr. Cousins had gone into the community and I urged Mr. Cousins to also call Mr. McDonald so from where I sit that matter was resolved on Sunday.”
The Political Ombudsman now hopes that candidates will ensure that the guidelines are being followed, for conduct leading up to the September 2020 elections. She says there have been no complaints following nomination day activities on Tuesday.
