People’s National Party (PNP) President, Prime Minister P.J. Patterson called again for a clean and fair general election, shortly after handing in his nomination day papers in his Eastern Westmoreland constituency on Monday (September 30).
The Prime Minister, who was nominated at the Darliston Primary School in the parish, told returning officer, Daphne Johnson that he wanted a peaceful and democratic campaign and hoped that Eastern Westmoreland would serve as a model constituency.
“My opponents have always and will always be free to campaign in the constituency without any fear or hindrance,” the PNP leader said after being congratulated by the returning officer when the process ended at 12.22 p.m.
Mr. Patterson said that he was hoping for a peaceful and democratic campaign and hoped that Eastern Westmoreland would serve as a model constituency.
He urged his supporters in the constituency not to yield to provocation and commended them for their restraint in the face of antagonism.
The free and fair democratic process that we worked for in this constituency must be continued,he said.
Mr. Patterson also made reference to a campaign trailer placed in Darliston Square by the Opposition Jamaica Labour Party (JLP). The Opposition’s candidate for the constituency is Mr. Don Foote.
He said that putting up office in the square in such a fashion represents a breach of public order under the Road Traffic Act. The Party leader told supporters that the trailer was removed by the Police, and if any action was to be taken against the offender, it would be the decision of the Police.
Mr. Patterson told a large turnout of supporters that the electoral machinery had been significantly improved to allow voters to exercise their democratic rights.
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister took time out of his nomination schedule to look at some of the areas in his constituency affected by the inclement weather. He also examined a number of roads that were blocked.