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Jamaica
- Boundary Delimitation
- Direct Democracy
- Electoral Management
- Electoral Systems
- Legislative Framework
- Media and Elections
- Parties and Candidates
- Vote Counting
- Voter Education
- Voting Operations
- Voter Registration
Boundary Delimitation
BD01 Are constituencies delimited for election purposes?
a. Yes
Source: Constitution 67.
Last updated: 2006-05-31 17:26:53 UTC
BD03 On what criteria are the boundaries drawn?
a. "Equality" of population
d. Conformity with local jurisdiction boundaries
Source: The Jamaica (Constitution) Order in Council 1962; Second Schedule; Articles 1-5
Last updated: 2007-07-16 08:44:31 UTC
Direct Democracy
DD01 Please provide information about the person completing the questionnaire.
a. Name and Title: Carlos Navarro
b. Job Title: Director of Electoral Studies
c. Organisation: Federal Electoral Institute
d. Contact Address. Viaducto Tlalpan 100, Arenal Tepepan, Mexico City, 14610
e. Telephone: (5255) 5628-4234
f. Facsimile: (5255) 5655-7012
g. Email: [email protected]
Last updated: 2005-10-14 18:05:06 UTC
DD02 Which forms of direct democracy, if any, are currently possible at the national level?
Please check the glossary for the definition of the following terms:
f. None
Source: 1962 Constitution with reforms through 1999.
Last updated: 2005-10-14 18:06:32 UTC
DD17 Are mandatory referendums currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
c. No
Source: 1962 Constitution with reforms through 1999.
Last updated: 2005-10-14 18:07:57 UTC
DD18 Are optional referendums currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
c. No
Source: 1962 Constitution with reforms through 1999.
Last updated: 2005-10-14 18:08:08 UTC
DD19 Are citizens' initiatives currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
c. No
Source: 1962 Constitution with reforms through 1999.
Last updated: 2005-10-14 18:08:19 UTC
DD20 Are agenda initiatives currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
c. No
Source: 1962 Constitution with reforms through 1999.
Last updated: 2005-10-14 18:08:32 UTC
DD21 Are recalls currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
c. No
Source: 1962 Constitution with reforms through 1999.
Last updated: 2005-10-14 18:08:46 UTC
DD22 Are mandatory referendums currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
c. No
Source: 1962 Constitution with reforms through 1999.
Last updated: 2005-10-14 18:08:56 UTC
DD23 Are optional referendums currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
c. No
Source: 1962 Constitution with reforms through 1999.
Last updated: 2005-10-14 18:09:07 UTC
DD24 Are citizens' initiatives currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
c. No
Source: 1962 Constitution with reforms through 1999.
Last updated: 2005-10-14 18:09:18 UTC
Electoral Management
EM01 Please provide the following contact information for the national electoral management body:
a. Name of Institution Electoral Office of Jamaica
b. Full Address 43 Duke Street, Kingston, Jamaica
c. Telephone +1 + 876 9220425
d. Facsimile +1 + 876 9224058
e. Email info(a)cwjamaica.com
f. Website Address www.eoj.com.jm
g. Name and Title of Chairperson/President Mr Danville Walker. Director of Elections.
h. Information Officer Mr Neville Graham
Source: Electoral Office of Jamaica
Last updated: 2004-12-08 16:09:18 UTC
EM06 The term of the members of the national electoral management body is:
b. For a term of _________ years
Comments: Two members are selected by the prime minister and the opposition and have a term of office of 18 months. The remaining 3 are selected by these 2 nominated EMB members, for a 4 years term.
Source: International IDEA (2006) "Electoral Management Design"
Last updated: 2007-02-21 09:44:05 UTC
EM08 According to official sources, what was the estimated overall cost (in US dollars if available) of the most recent national elections?
Last updated: 2007-02-21 09:44:05 UTC
EM09 What was the total number of registered voters or, where there was no voter roll, the estimated number of eligible voters?
Last updated: 2007-02-21 09:44:05 UTC
Electoral Systems
ES01 How is the Head of State selected?
f. A Governor General appointed by the Monarch
Comments: The Head of State is the British Monarch, Queen Elizabeth II. The Queen is represented by the Governor General, which is an appointed position.
Source: C: 27.
Last updated: Fri, 19 Sep 2003 23:28:45 GMT
ES02 How is the Head of Government selected?
f. Other
Comments: According to Constitution, the executive authority of Jamaica is vested in Her Majesty, but it may be exercised on behalf of Her Majesty by the Governor-General either directly or through officers subordinate to him (including the Prime Minister that is appointed by the Governor General).
Source: C: 68 and 69.
Last updated: Fri, 19 Sep 2003 23:30:53 GMT
ES03 Does the country have a president?
b. No
Source: C: 27.
Last updated: Fri, 19 Sep 2003 23:50:25 GMT
ES04 The national legislature consists of (one/two chambers):
b. Two chambers
Comments: The house of representatives and the Senate. The first of them are composed by 60 members; the secondo one is formed by 21 members.
Source: C: 35, 67.
Last updated: Mon, 22 Sep 2003 18:35:43 GMT
ES05 What is the electoral system for Chamber 1 of the national legislature?
a. Plurality (FPTP)
Comments: According to the relevant constitutional provisions, the House of Representatives shall be composed of no more than 60 and no less than 45 members. Nowadays is composed of 60 members.
Source: C: 66 (1) and 67 (1).
Last updated: Mon, 22 Sep 2003 19:00:32 GMT
ES06 What is the electoral system for Chamber 2 of the national legislature?
j. By appointment
Comments: The Senate is composed of 21 members, all are appointed by the Governor-General, but while 13 are so acting in accordance with the advice of the Prime Minister, the remaining 8 must be appointed acting in accordance with the advice of the leader of the opposition.
Source: C: 35.
Last updated: Mon, 22 Sep 2003 19:08:33 GMT
ES07 If List PR is used, is a highest average formula used?
h. Not applicable
Comments: Members of Senate are appointed.
Source: C: 35.
Last updated: Mon, 22 Sep 2003 19:11:27 GMT
ES08 What is the level at which seats are distributed in Chamber 1?
b. Specially delimited constituencies
Source: C: 67 (1).
Last updated: Mon, 22 Sep 2003 19:13:38 GMT
ES09 What is the level at which seats are distributed in Chamber 2?
d. Not applicable
Comments: All senators are appointed.
Source: C: 35.
Last updated: Mon, 22 Sep 2003 19:19:07 GMT
ES10 Are special constituencies or seats reserved in Chamber 1 for specific groups, such as minorities, specific nationality or other groups?
b. No
Last updated: Mon, 22 Sep 2003 23:46:57 GMT
ES11 If special constituencies or seats are reserved in Chamber 1, specify which interest groups, and the proportion of total seats reserved for:
e. Not applicable *
Last updated: Mon, 22 Sep 2003 23:48:11 GMT
ES12 Are special constituencies or seats reserved in Chamber 2 for specific groups, such as minorities, specific nationality or other groups?
b. No
Last updated: Mon, 22 Sep 2003 23:50:39 GMT
ES13 If special constituencies or seats are reserved in Chamber 2, specify which interest groups, and the proportion of total seats reserved:
e. Not applicable *
Last updated: Mon, 22 Sep 2003 23:51:45 GMT
ES14 What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a party to win seats in Chamber 1?
c. Not applicable
Comments: All members of Parliament are elected in single member constituencies.
Source: EL: 66 (2).
Last updated: Mon, 22 Sep 2003 23:53:27 GMT
ES15 What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a party to win seats in Chamber 2?
c. Not applicable
Last updated: Mon, 22 Sep 2003 23:59:52 GMT
ES16 What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a candidate (independent/party) to win a seat in Chamber 1?
c. Not applicable
Last updated: Tue, 23 Sep 2003 00:16:22 GMT
ES17 What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a candidate (independent/party) to win a seat in Chamber 2?
c. Not applicable
Comments: question not answered
Last updated: Fri, 11 May 2001 12:24:41 GMT
ES18 Regarding the timing of the elections for Chamber 1, which of the following is true? Elections take place:
b. Elections can be called at any time (specify by whom)
Comments: The Governor-General may at any time, by Proclamation published in the Gazette, prorogue or dissolve Parliament. As a general rule and unless sooner dissolved, the Parliament shall continue for five years from the date of its first sitting after any dissolution and shall then stand dissolved.
Source: EL: 64.
Last updated: Tue, 23 Sep 2003 00:19:40 GMT
ES19 Regarding the timing of the elections for Chamber 2, which of the following is true? Elections take place:
d. Other
e. Not applicable
Comments: Senators are not elected. Nevertheless, all seats became vacant upon the dissolution of Parliament.
Source: C: 41(1).
Last updated: Tue, 23 Sep 2003 00:20:51 GMT
Legislative Framework
LF01 What is the status of the electoral law governing national elections?
b. Separate legislation
Comments: Some basic provisions about the electoral regime are embodied in the Constitution, but a separate and specific legislation details aspects related to the preparation, organization and running of elections. (The representation of the People Act, cited for the purposes of this document as EL - Electoral Legislation).
Last updated: Tue, 23 Sep 2003 00:29:52 GMT
LF02 What is the date of the latest version of the national electoral law (including latest amendments)?
f. January 1950- December 1959
Comments: The current electoral legislation (The Representation of the People ACT) was enacted in 1944. The most recent reforms were introduced in 1981.
Last updated: Tue, 23 Sep 2003 00:31:03 GMT
LF03 The national electoral law covers:
a. National elections
Comments: The local government elections are regulated by a separate legislation.
Source: EL: 1 and 2.
Last updated: Tue, 23 Sep 2003 00:31:53 GMT
LF04 Is voting on the national level voluntary or compulsory?
a. Voting is voluntary
Comments: No provisions in law considering voting as compulsory.
Source: International IDEA Voter Turnout Website (http://www.idea.int/vt/)
Last updated: 2006-11-21 19:32:48 UTC
LF06 Are there provisions in the law which permit or require presidential election (s) to be held on the same day as national legislative elections?
c. Not applicable
Last updated: Tue, 23 Sep 2003 00:34:42 GMT
LF07 What are the agency(ies) responsible for first level of formal electoral disputes?
a. Judiciary
Comments: The Magistrate Residents in the parish involved.
Source: EL: 47.
Last updated: Tue, 23 Sep 2003 00:35:40 GMT
Media and Elections
ME01 Please provide information about the person completing the questionnaire.
Last updated: 2007-01-17 08:53:27 UTC
ME11 What laws, if any, guarantee freedom of access to public information for representatives of the media?
Last updated: 2007-01-17 08:53:27 UTC
ME13 What are the laws, if any, which govern the operations of the public broadcaster?
Specify the date of the latest version (including latest amendments)
Last updated: 2007-01-17 08:53:27 UTC
ME18 What are the laws, if any, that provide for the safeguards for editorial autonomy in relation to the public broadcaster(s)?
Last updated: 2007-01-17 08:53:27 UTC
ME19 What are the laws, if any, which govern the granting of broadcasting licenses/frequencies to private broadcasters?
Last updated: 2007-01-17 08:53:27 UTC
ME22 What are the legal conditions, if any, under which the activities of a media outlet may be suspended?
Last updated: 2007-01-17 08:53:27 UTC
ME37 What are the criteria for allocating free broadcast time and/or free printed advertisement space to political parties?
h. Not applicable
Comments: There is no allocation of free broadcast time or free printed advertisement space to political parties.
Source: International IDEA (2003) "Funding of Political Parties and Election Campaigns"
Last updated: 2007-01-17 08:53:27 UTC
ME38 What, if any, is the maximum amount that a political party is permitted to spend on paid advertising during a campaign period?
b. The law does not specify any limits on paid advertising X
Comments: The law does not specify any limits on paid advertising. There is however a maximum limit on election expenses.
Source: The Representation of the People Act, art. 55
Last updated: 2007-02-12 17:58:24 UTC
ME55 What, if any, is the maximum amount that a presidential candidate is permitted to spend on paid advertising?
Last updated: 2007-01-17 08:53:27 UTC
ME56 What are the laws, if any, which govern the disclosure of campaign advertising expenditures by political parties and candidates?
Last updated: 2007-01-17 08:53:27 UTC
ME57 What, if any, is the maximum amount that a media outlet can charge parties/candidates for advertising during the campaign?
Last updated: 2007-01-17 08:53:27 UTC
ME58 How does this maximum amount (identified in question C.15.1) affect the political participation of smaller or newly formed parties?
Last updated: 2007-01-17 08:53:27 UTC
Parties and Candidates
PC01 What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 1)?
g. Not applicable
Comments: No provisions in law regarding the necessity of political parties to register in order to nominate candidates and compete in parliamentary elections.
Source: IFE 2006.
Last updated: 2006-05-30 23:04:00 UTC
PC02 What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 2)?
g. Not applicable
Source: IFE 2006.
Last updated: 2006-05-30 23:37:57 UTC
PC03 What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
a. Age
b. Citizenship
d. Residence
Comments: a) 21 years old. b) The citizenship refers to the Commonwealth, not only to Jamaica. d) An ordinary residence of 12 months in the country.
Source: Constitution 40:1.
Last updated: 2006-11-15 13:06:45 UTC
PC04 What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 2)?
k. Not applicable
Comments: Senators are appointed, not elected. Nevertheless, all contenders should satisfy same qualifications of age, citizenship and residence as the members of Parliament.
Source: Constitution 40:1.
Last updated: 2006-05-30 23:42:57 UTC
PC05 What are the legal qualifications for becoming a candidate at presidential elections?
k. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-05-30 23:44:29 UTC
PC08 Can independent candidates compete in presidential or legislative elections?
c. In legislative elections (Chamber 1)
Comments: Candidates to the House not necessarily have to be nominated by a political party.
Source: Electoral Code 23:2.
Last updated: 2006-05-30 23:44:29 UTC
PC12 Do political parties receive direct/indirect public funding?
a. No
Source: International IDEA (2003) "Funding of Political Parties and Election Campaigns"
Last updated: 2006-11-15 13:06:45 UTC
Vote Counting
VC04 Following the close of the voting, where are the votes first sorted and counted?
a. At the polling stations
Source: Electoral Law 44.
Last updated: 2006-05-30 23:49:57 UTC
VC08 How are the initial/preliminary polling results transmitted and communicated to the different levels?
a. Physically transported
h. Other
Comments: h) Electoral material can also be transmitted by registered mail.
Source: Electoral Law 44:9 and 44:11.
Last updated: 2006-05-30 23:49:57 UTC
VC11 Under what conditions are ballots recounted?
d. By request
Comments: A request has to be submitted to the Resident magistrate for the parish where the declaration of election was made. It has to be accompanied by the affidavit of a credible witness and a deposit of 40 USD.
Source: Electoral Law 47:1.
Last updated: 2006-05-30 23:52:04 UTC
Voting Operations
VO02 Is there a code of conduct for election officials?
b. No
Source: IFE 2006.
Last updated: 2006-05-30 23:46:16 UTC
VO03 Where can electors vote?
a. At a specified polling station in the locality where they are registered at national elections
Source: Electoral Law 34:1.
Last updated: 2006-05-30 23:47:32 UTC
VO04 Who can vote from outside the country?
a. Outside the country voting is not permitted
Source: IFE 2006.
Last updated: 2006-05-30 23:47:32 UTC
VO05 If voting outside the country is permitted, at what places?
g. Not applicable
Source: IFE 2006.
Last updated: 2006-05-30 23:47:32 UTC
VO10 Is there a maximum allowable voter capacity of a polling station for the national elections?
Last updated: 2006-12-11 15:49:22 UTC
VO11 How do electors cast their votes?
a. By manually marking the ballot
Source: Electoral Law article 35
Last updated: 2006-12-11 15:49:22 UTC
VO12 How many staff are assigned to each polling station?
a. The smallest polling station: One presiding officer and one poll clerk.
b. The largest polling station: One presiding officer and one poll clerk.
c. Average per polling station: One presiding officer and one poll clerk.
Source: Electoral Law 67:1 and 68:1.
Last updated: 2006-05-30 23:48:04 UTC
VO13 Approximately how many hours of training were provided to the presiding polling officer for the most recent national elections?
a. hours: 1
Comments: Meet for at least 6 sessions of 2-2.5 hours.
Source: Pauline Welsh: Electoral Office of Jamaica.
Last updated: 2006-05-31 17:31:30 UTC
VO14 Approximately how many hours of training were provided to the other polling officials for the most recent national elections?
a. hours: 1
Comments: Poll Clerks recieve the same training as Presiding Officers i.e. 6 times 2 hour sessions. Election Supervisers 2-2.5 hours
Source: Pauline Welsh:
Last updated: 2006-12-11 15:49:22 UTC
Voter Registration
VR01 What is the legal voting age in the national elections?
c. 18
Source: Electoral Law 111:3.
Last updated: 2006-05-30 22:44:40 UTC
VR02 Beyond age, what other qualifications exist for registering to vote and voting in the national elections?
a. Citizenship
b. Period of Residence
Comments: The voter has to be residing in Jamaica. 01: (3) No person shall be entitled to vote in any polling division if- (a) he is under the age of eighteen years; or (b) he is not a Commonwealth citizen resident in Jamaica: or
Source: Electoral Law, article 111 (3)
Last updated: 2006-12-11 15:47:12 UTC
VR04 Which is the authority responsible for the registration of voters for national elections?
e. Other
Comments: The Chief Electoral Officer shall every six months or at such other intervals as the Minister may, on the advice of the Committee, form time to time, prescribe and in accordance with the rules set out in the First Schedule prepare an official list of electors in respect of every polling division and forthwith publish such list in the prescribed manner.
Source: Electoral Law
Last updated: 2006-12-11 15:47:12 UTC
May 20, 2008 08:19 AM
