The Electoral Office of Jamaica (EOJ) has responded to a press release from the United Independent’s Congress (UIC) Jamaica, which claimed a lack of electoral support for its proposed candidates during the nomination process on November 6.

In a statement on Thursday, November 7, the EOJ clarified its role in providing assistance to all prospective candidates, regardless of party affiliation or independence.

The EOJ explained that the nomination process is straightforward, requiring candidates to complete a nomination form, have it signed by a necessary number of electors, submit it to the returning Officer during the specified hours on Nomination Day, and pay the prescribed nomination fee.

While the EOJ acknowledged the challenges posed by adverse weather conditions, it emphasized that its constituency teams made every effort to assist candidates leading up to and on Nomination Day. This included:

• Opening constituency offices on Saturday, November 2, to assist prospective candidates.
• Maintaining normal operations on Monday, November 4, but closing early due to inclement weather.
• Providing assistance on Tuesday, November 5, despite continuing poor weather in some areas.
• Ensuring offices were open from 8:30 am on Wednesday, November 6 (Nomination Day).
• The EOJ stated that it had not received any email communications or records of unanswered calls regarding assistance for nominations, suggesting that no further efforts were made by the UIC to contact the office.

Finally, the EOJ reiterated its commitment to providing ongoing support to anyone wishing to register as a candidate in future elections.