The Political Ombudsman and the General Secretaries of the country’s two major political parties are appealing to Jamaicans to be tolerant and civil in the ongoing election campaign.
They held a meeting on Wednesday to discuss the rise in political tensions and the recent incidents of vandalism of campaign signs.
The General Secretaries for both the JLP and PNP expressed solidarity with the Political Ombudsman.
In the joint statement, they say the display of campaign material is part of the political and electoral process.
They say each person has the right to participate freely without fear or intimidation from persons with opposing views.
The statement recognizes that the tearing down and unauthorized removal of signs, posters, billboards, as well as other instances of destruction of property, is a direct violation of that right and is counter-productive for democracy.
It says these acts are divisive in nature and could set the stage for further tension and conflict, which can mar the country’s reputation for peaceful campaigning and a free and fair electoral process.
The joint statement says this type of conduct has no place within Jamaican society.
The three unreservedly rejected violence and intimidation in any form and appeal to all Jamaicans to join in restoring calm and civility to the campaign process.
English (US) ·