Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) pledges to enforce Political Code of Conduct

Published in the Jamaica Gleaner: Wednesday | August 1, 2007

Edmond Campbell, News Coordinator

The Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) says if it forms the next government it will give teeth to the Political Code of Conduct by enacting into law provisions that speak to the disqualification of candidates who are found guilty of offences relating to the conduct of elections.

Legislative measures to impeach public officials for misconduct and corruption, making provision for judicial review of decisions made by the Director of Public Prosecutions and strengthening the role of Parliament, are among other proposals the JLP says it will use to build a framework for good governance.

Under the theme "A better way for a better Jamaica", leader of the JLP Bruce Golding on Monday presented his party's vision for the country.

He said that a far-reaching proposal to deal with garrison politics was the enactment of relevant provisions of the Political Code of Conduct.

"Right now they are just a code of conduct, you honour them if you are good and you breach them if you are feisty," Golding said, adding that "there is no sanction that can be applied apart from public reprimand."

The following recommendations are contained in the JLP Manifesto:

Entrenchment in the Constitution of a new Charter of Rights to guarantee the fundamental rights of every citizen.

Establishment of Citizens Protection Bureau headed by the Public Defender with powers to defend the rights of and secure redress for citizens whose constitutional rights may be violated.

Fixed election period subject to variation only in specified circumstances.

Imposition of two-term limit for prime ministers.

Special prosecutor to combat corruption.

Impose criminal sanctions for violation of the rules governing the award of contracts.

Whistleblower legislation to protect persons who divulge information on wrongdoing among public officials.

Establish independent authority to investigate instances of abuse by members of the security forces.

Appoint Special Coroner to conduct inquests in instances where citizens die in circumstances in which agents of the State are involved.

Provide that all sessional and special select committees of Parliament be chaired by a member of the Opposition to ensure more diligent oversight of government's activities.

Enact, in consultation with the Electoral Commission, legislation to regulate the financial operations of political parties.

* Appointment to sensitive posts be approved by two-thirds majority of both Houses of Parliament. These include: Chief Justice
* President of the Court of Appeal
* Director of Public Prosecutions
* Public Defender
* Contractor General
* Judicial Services Commission
* Police Services Commission
* Governor of the Bank of Jamaica.