Petrina Francis, Staff Reporter

Legislation intended to put a stop to the bribery and intimidation of voters, by making it an offence for an individual to display his ballot after marking it, is to be tabled in Parliament soon.

Director of Elections Danville Walker said yesterday that it was the practice of some voters to show their ballots and intimidate others.

"And when you don't do it (display your ballot) people wonder why you are hiding," said Mr. Walker.

He was speaking during Life of Jamaica's High Flyers Appreciation Luncheon at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New Kingston.

Payment

"We believe that what people do was to facilitate bribery where they would display the ballot and somebody would take note that you vote that way (for a particular political party) and you would collect payment after," the director of elections told The Gleaner.

Mr. Walker was unable to say exactly when the legislation would be tabled but noted that a report was sent to Parliament and it was to be passed before the next general election.

"I am confident that, one day, in terms of voting, there will be no more garrisons," said Mr. Walker.

petrina.francis@gleanerjm.com