The recently concluded general election in Jamaica has seen a number of complaints about vote-buying, voter suppression and a dubious voters’ list that saw just 39.5 per cent voter turnout, way lower than anticipated.

Many young people remained apathetic and did not come out to vote, choosing to remain at home instead.

“Voter turnout this election was lower than desired, standing at 39.5 per cent, a figure that underscores the need for urgent electoral reforms.

“The current voters list remains substantially inflated with names that should have been removed long ago. We, therefore, call for the comprehensive and timely updating of the voters list to enhance confidence in the electoral process,” read a statement from the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce (JCC), which is headed by president Phillip Ramson.

Speaking to Our Today from Cherry Gardens, St Andrew, attorney Andra-Ann Rose said: “That voters’ list had so many dead people on it and those who migrated a long time ago. The Electoral Commission of Jamaica (ECJ) did a terrible job this election, and a fulsome investigation must now take place.

“It is believed by many that more than 39.5 per cent of voters turned out for this election. There have been too many complaints of sloppiness at voting stations, machines that didn’t work and people having to wait for hours to register their vote. “

Former director of elections, Odette Fisher, believes that there are about 1.5 million eligible voters on the list (about half the country’s population) and not over two million, as it currently has.

The ECJ has been negligent in updating the voters’ list and combing out dead people and those deemed ineligible.