Gov’t Passes Bill to Extend Timeframe For By-election Despite Objections From PNP

The government has passed a bill that will facilitate extending the time frame for local government by-elections by three months.

The bill was passed in the House of Representatives on Tuesday, despite strong objections from the Opposition People’s National Party, PNP.

More in this report from Shaloy Smikle.

The amendment will allow for the extension of a 90-day period in which a by-election must be held in an electoral division of a municipal corporation where a vacancy arises.

Leader of Government Business, Edmund Bartlett explained the reason behind the proposed extension.

The bill was passed in wake of calls for a by-election in the Morant Bay Division in St. Thomas, following the death of Councillor, Rohan Bryan.

Mr Bryan died in May, just a few months after securing the seat for the PNP in the February 26 Local Government Elections.

Mr Bartlett noted that the bill was not being adjusted because of the death of Councillor Bryan.

Instead, he says it provides an opportunity for better planning especially given the recent passage of Hurricane Beryl.

But, the amendment did not sit well with the PNP.

Leader of Opposition Business, Phillip Paulwell, says the Opposition will not support what he describes as the unlawful amendment.

The bill was passed with 25 votes for the amendment while 8 voted against.

Twenty-eight members were absent.