OPPOSITION LEADER Edward Seaga has raised questions about the relationship that will exist between the Office of Political Ombudsman and the Electoral Advisory Committee's (EAC) election centre, during the run-up to general elections.
Speaking on Tuesday during the debate on the Political Ombudsman (Interim) Bill, Mr. Seaga queried how the two bodies would interact to ensure that electoral irregularities are detected and dealt with.
"I think it would be a bit messy if on the one hand for the Ombudsman to be receiving complaints and on the other hand the other body (is receiving complaints as well)," Mr. Seaga told the House.
He said the two bodies could complement each other by the Political Ombudsman using the power to bring before the Election Centre team persons whom they would want to question in relation to election incidents.
On Tuesday the House passed the Political Ombudsman (Interim) Bill, which essentially reintroduces the Office of Political Ombudsman, which was abolished a few years ago with the creation of the Office of Public Defender.
Bishop Herro Blair has already been named interim Political Ombudsman. His salary and the level of resources that will be made available to him will be determined by a parliamentary commission.
Bishop Blair will be a member of the Election Centre team that will monitor the election campaign and election day incidents. Members of observer groups, security personnel, the political parties and EOJ staff will also be on the team.
The Election Centre will be established on the grounds of the Jamaica Broilers complex on Hope Road. Daily press briefings will be conducted at the centre between Nomination Day and Election Day. On Election Day the briefings will be held on the hour.
The centre will be equipped with state-of-the-art equipment to enable members of the team to monitor voting on election day.
