The Electoral Office of Jamaica says it is all set to accept nominations on Wednesday, September 11 from eligible candidates for the pending by-election in the St Ann North Eastern Constituency.

The nomination will take place at the office of the Returning Officer, St Ann North Eastern, located at 1 Wharf Street, St Ann’s Bay, starting at 10 am.

The seat became vacant on Tuesday, September 3 after Member of Parliament Marsha Smith tendered her resignation.

The Jamaica Labour Party candidate for the by-election on September 30 is Senator Matthew Samuda. Opposition People’s National Party President Mark Golding had said his party would not be contesting the election.

Nomination procedures

On nomination day, any person wishing to contest the election is required to:

• fill out a nomination form signed by any 10 or more electors registered to vote in the constituency
• return the form to the Returning Officer between the hours of 10 am and 2:00 pm
• pay the nomination fee of J$15,000.

Subject to the provisions of the Constitution of Jamaica (Sections 39 and 40), any person seeking to enter as a candidate to sit in the House of Representatives should, inter alia:

• be a citizen of Jamaica, resident in Jamaica for at least twelve months prior to the date of nomination or a Commonwealth citizen who has resided in Jamaica for at least twelve months prior to the nomination date;
• be at least 21 years of age.

The EOJ said political parties intending to contest the election must be registered with the ECJ under the Representation of the People (Amendment) Act 2014. Meanwhile, individuals wishing to contest the election who are not members of registered political parties may do so as independent candidates.