The ruling Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) is accusing Opposition Leader Mark Golding of promoting electoral fraud, after the People’s National Party (PNP) president was captured at a rally allegedly encouraging supporters to vote on behalf of dead voters to win the next general election.

In a video circulating on social media, Golding was seen addressing supporters in East Rural St Andrew, urging them to take decisive and bold action if they want the PNP to return to power.

In his remarks, Golding said: “Affi make sure seh every Comrade who voted for the PNP in 2011 and delivered the victory if they’re still alive, dem affi go vote fi Comrade Patrick Peterkin when the election call. And even some who not alive, you know if dem can deal with it, no problem,” Golding said as he rallied supporters.

Peterkin was recently announced as the PNP’s representative for East Rural St Andrew.

Goldings remarks concerning

Reacting to the remarks by Golding, the JLP in a statement issued yesterday accused Golding of encouraging voters to commit election fraud and urged the Opposition leader to withdraw his statement by “unequivocally disavow any support for election fraud”.

“Jamaica has made significant strides in securing free and fair elections, fostering a transparent and accountable electoral system that upholds the principles of democracy. The leader of Opposition’s alarming endorsement of such unethical practices raises serious concerns about this commitment to our nation’s democratic values,” charged JLP Secretary General Dr Horace Chang.

He added: “Jamaicans should be deeply disappointed, though not surprised by the Opposition’s apparent desperation to seize power at any cost, even if it means compromising the institutions that form the backbone of our state. This pursuit of power must not come at the expense of our democratic ideals.”

Chang further assured the Government’s commitment to democracy and urged all politicians to commit to fair and ethical general elections.

The general elections are constitutionally due in 2025.