#KINGSTON, April 22 (JIS): Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, says it is not his intention to hold an election while sections of the island are under States of Public Emergency (SOEs).
“I
had said I would not want elections under a state of public emergency. It is
not my intention to hold any elections with SOEs in place. I do not want,
however, criminals to feel that during a period of election, Government will
not act; that is very important,” Mr. Holness said.
He was speaking in the House of
Representatives on April 21, where four resolutions were approved providing for
the extension of several States of Public Emergency (SOEs) by 90 days.
“If an election is called and there
is any attempt to destabilise, to create any issues, and it is a tool that has
to be used with consultation, it is a tool we will place on the table to be
used,” the Prime Minister said.
The SOEs for Kingston East, St.
James, Hanover, Westmoreland, Clarendon, St. Catherine and St. Andrew South
Police Division have all been extended until July 25, 2020.
The next general election in
Jamaica is due by March 2021.