The People’s National Party’sPaul Buchanan has failed in his effort to have the Constituted Authority apply to the Election Court to void the election results in the St Andrew West Central Constituency.

Incumbent Andrew Holness defeated Buchanan in the Wednesday, September 3 general election to retain the seat he first won in 1997.

Buchanan made good his word to challenge Holness’ victory and by letter dated 16 September 2025, requested the Constituted Authority to apply to the Election Court to void the election results in that constituency.

He relied on the ground stipulated in section 37(e) of the Election Petition Act: “that there is an upsurge in violence or any irregularity during election day in one or more polling stations or polling divisions or in any electoral division or constituency which would lead to a substantial distortion or subversion of the process of free and fair election.”

Buchanan submitted several affidavits, from himself and others, in support of his request.

After careful consideration of the affidavits and relevant case law, the Constituted Authority found that the evidence presented “did not satisfy the standard contemplated” by the wording of section 37(e).

Therefore, the Constituted Authority refused Buchanan’s request.

On 30 September 2025, it informed Buchanan in writing of its decision and provided him with a copy of the written reasons for its decision.