EOJ intensifies preparations for April 27 by-elections

THE ELECTORAL Office of Jamaica (EOJ) has said that it is far advanced with its preparations for the by-elections in the Yallahs division of St Thomas Western and the May Pen North division in Clarendon Central. The elections are scheduled for Friday, April 27.

In a press statement issued yesterday, the EOJ disclosed that it had submitted a budget of $19 million to the Ministry of Finance to conduct the by-elections, $9.5 million for each.

Nomination day is set for Tuesday, April 10 between noon and 2 p.m. According to the EOJ, nominations will be accepted at the Yallahs Baptist Church Hall for the by-election in the Yallahs division and at St Gabriel’s Anglican Church Hall for the May Pen North division by-election.

Candidates are required to fill out a nomination form signed by six or more electors registered to vote in the respective division and pay the prescribed nomination fee. The law requires that nomination day be at least five clear days after the announcement of an election; and election day, a minimum of 16 and a maximum of 23 days after nomination day, the EOJ stated.

According to the Electoral Office, a total of 61 polling stations will be used in the byelections: 31 situated across seven voting locations in Yallahs and 30 in 12 locations in May Pen North.

In total, 168 election-day workers will be required to conduct both elections: 83 in Yallahs and 85 in May Pen North. Poll workers have been selected from a combination of EOJ staff and election-day workers in the constituencies where the byelections will be held.

The EOJ disclosed that the November 30, 2017 voters’ list would be used for the elections. There are 9,145 registered voters in the Yallahs division and 8,286 in May Pen North. Only electors registered to vote in the Yallahs and May Pen North electoral divisions will be allowed to vote in the upcoming by-elections. Electors can confirm if their name is on the current voters’ list by visiting the ECJ website at www.ecj.com.jm and clicking on Check My Status.

LIONEL ROOKWOOD/PHOTOGRAPHER Policewomen take part in adult sabbath school at the Washington Gardens Seventh-day Adventist Church’s Police Appreciation Day held at 41 Headley Avenue, Drewsland, St Andrew, recently.