Marcus Garvey People’s Political Party not registered, candidates must run as independents

Candidates from the Marcus Garvey People's Political Party must contest the general election as independents, as their party is not registered, according to Jamaica's election boss Glasspole Brown.

Shortly after Clifford Barnett of the party was nominated today at Catherine Hall Primary School, The Star sought a response from the Director of Elections on the status of the party.

"No. They are not registered. They have to run as Independents," Brown said.

The ruling Jamaica Labour Party (JLP), People's National Party (PNP), the Jamaica Progressive Party (JPP), and the United Independent's Congress are the four registered political parties in Jamaica.

The Political Party Registration Act, 2014 mandates the registration of political parties in Jamaica and the monitoring of their finances.

Prior to the passage of the legislation, there was no requirement for parties in Jamaica to be registered or for their financial arrangements to be regulated.

With the enactment of the legislation, political parties intending to contest the polls in elections and referenda must be registered with the Electoral Commission of Jamaica (ECJ).

Additionally, political parties that meet the criteria for state funding must have their finances monitored and regulated by the commission and are mandated by law to make statutory reports of their financial standing at the end of each financial year.

The ECJ is responsible for the administration of the legislative requirements of political party registration and campaign financing.

Barnett is marking his fifth bid for the St James West Central seat.

He expressed hope that one day Jamaicans will give another party the chance to hold a seat in Parliament.

Ironically, on August 15, the United Negro Improvement Association (UNIA) Jamaica celebrated the 138th birthday of the late National Hero.

- Erica Virtue

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