Edmond Campbell, Senior News Coordinator

Despite threats of "political action" from the Opposition Jamaica Labour Party (JLP), the Government plans to again postpone Local Government elections, the second time this year, until December 31, 2007.

Deputy Leader of Government Business in the House of Representatives, Fitz Jackson, yesterday tabled two bills to defer the election.

According to the bills, the election will be postponed to facilitate the completion of an audit of parish councils and the reform of any structures of accountability that may arise as a result of the audit.

The Portia Simpson Miller-led administration is also postponing the election until the end of next year to facilitate consideration of a report from the Local Government Reform Committee.

Debate on the bills begins today with Local Government Minister, Dean Peart piloting the two pieces of legislation.

In June, the Government by way of an act of Parliament, first postponed the Local Government election until December 31, 2006, to allow for the completion of a new voters' list.

Opposition to object

Meanwhile, it is expected that the Opposition will object to the postponement of the elections during today's debate.

JLP chairman Dr. Ken Baugh told The Gleaner yesterday that members of the Opposition were prepared for the debate which is expected to trigger much controversy.

Opposition Leader Bruce Golding told The Gleaner in a recent interview that his party would register strong disapproval to any postponement of parish council elections.

The last Local Government elections were held in 2003 when the JLP wrested control from the governing PNP, taking 11 of the 12 parish councils as well as the Kingston and St. Andrew Corporation.