Senator Johnson Smith V Scotland Hits Polls

Weeks of contention and heated interviews about who the next Commonwealth Secretary-General will be have been given new life with the emergence of a UK based poll. The polls referenced in an international media found Scotland, the incumbent to be in a more favourable position to retain her post. The findings however, appear to have little bearings on the Jamaican candidate, Senator Kamina Johnson-Smith.

Just hours away from the announcement of the Commonwealth Secretary-General in Rwanda and at least one poll is foreseeing defeat for Jamaica’s candidate, Senator Johnson-smith. Despite amassing what the senator considered enough support weeks earlier to confidently go through with her controversial candidacy, the poll referenced by the news outlet suggest the senator has not found favour with most.

The article notes that the survey conducted by a UK based firm shows that Patricia Scotland would retain her position as the commonwealth secretary-general in the CHOGM in Rwanda. It adds that the reason behind this is the considered popularity of Scotland among the member states of commonwealth. The article notes detailed research was carried out throughout the 54 states of the commonwealth, which elects the secretary-general for a term of 4 years. 

The other candidate is Iakoba Taeia Italel. 

The report cites survey findings that reveal that Kamina Johnson-Smith failed to gain support despite visiting several commonwealth nations. It however claims this was contrary to the number of people who want and are in support of Scotland to hold her position for another term. Scotland made history becoming the first woman to hold the position of commonwealth secretary.

The article referenced experts further noting that Scotland is the ‘perfect’ candidate for the appointment of the Secretary-General. Meanwhile, despite the chatter, Jamaica’s candidate appeared confident in her bid for the post. She’s being bolstered by Prime Minister Andrew Holness and a team of ministers now in Rwanda.