Former ECJ Chairman Slams Move to Subsume Ombudsman into Commission

Former chairman of the Electoral Commission of Jamaica, Professor Errol Miller, says legislatively, the subsuming of the Office of the Political Ombudsman into the ECJ, is the worst electoral decision since independence.

Professor Miller used the climax of his keynote address at the 60th Annual Jamaica Teacher’s Association Conference to register his criticism.

While apologising for using the forum to raise what has been a contentious political issue, Professor Miller proceeded to characterise the decision as a dishonour to all who worked towards political independence, including the nation’s teachers.

The ECJ was formed in 2006, replacing the Electoral Advisory Committee, EAC. Professor Miller was its first chairman.

He says the amendment drags the ECJ commissioners into direct involvement with partisan politics.

Meanwhile, Professor Miller says it’s hard to see the benefit to the Jamaican people of making ECJ commissioners referees in the tribal game of party politics.

Professor Miller says given the new arrangement, ECJ Commissioners are in a position where it’s easy for them to bring the organisation into disrepute during election season.

Professor Errol Miller, former chairman of the Electoral Commission of Jamaica.