Jamaica on track to having fixed election dates – PM Andrew Holness

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness has revealed that plans are on track for a fixed election date.

Holness, on the campaign trail leading up to the February 25 General Election, promised to implement this if his Jamaica Labor Party won the election.

Holness told parliament, during his contribution to the budget debate, that he had instructed Justice Minister Delroy Chuck to table a Ministry Paper and draft legislation for the fixing of election dates.

He argued that if the country is serious about fiscal discipline, a fixed election date would be a necessary step, adding that not having a fixed election date comes at a significant cost to business and delays the growth agenda.

“If we are serious about fiscal discipline and obeying our own fiscal rules, elections can no longer be allowed to supervene the fiscal cycle. Neither should the country be disrupted by protracted periods of uncertainty; mobilizing, demobilizing and then mobilizing again according to political expediency,” Holness said.

Fixed election dates “will reduce political risks and government-related risks, thereby making Jamaica a more competitive environment,” stressed Holness.

Source: Jamaica Observer