PNP Supports its Candidates’ Legal Action Against SJMC
Kingston, Jamaica. May 1, 2025: The People’s National Party fully supports and stands firmly behind three of its St. James candidates Dr. Andre Haughton, Senator Janice Allen, and Allan Bernard, who have filed for leave to apply for Judicial Review in the Supreme Court against decisions of the St. James Municipal Corporation (SJMC) to remove lawful political advertising in the parish. They have described it as a blatantly unlawful act by the Corporation.
On Tuesday, the candidates filed the applications seeking six orders from the Supreme Court. These include leave to apply for judicial review of the SJMC’s decision to remove their political billboards, a reversal of that decision, a writ of certiorari preventing further interference, and an order of mandamus compelling the return and reinstatement of their signage. They are also seeking damages for abuse of authority by the municipal body.
The removal of the PNP candidates’ boards came without warning, without consultation, and without any clear legal basis. Senator Dr. Andre Haughton described the move as “political harassment masquerading as governance,” warning that “this kind of action has no place in a healthy democracy.” He noted that the signs were lawfully erected and accused the SJMC of “abandoning fairness and using state power to suppress the voices of the opposition.”
Senator Janice Allen emphasized those concerns, stating, “Our democracy must never be sacrificed at the altar of partisan control. What we’re witnessing is a dangerous overreach that threatens the credibility of the electoral process. The SJMC does not get to rewrite the rules because it finds political opposition inconvenient.”
Allan Bernard, candidate for North West St. James, framed the issue as one of principle and fairness. “We’re not just defending our campaigns, we’re defending the right of every Jamaican to contest elections on equal terms. The rules must apply to all, not just to some. This is a fight for balance, transparency, and the soul of our democracy.”
The Party is calling on the Electoral Commission of Jamaica and other oversight bodies to take immediate note of these troubling developments. Political competition must be free, fair, and untainted by partisan interference from public institutions.
The PNP remains unwavering in its defence of its candidates and its commitment to a fair and democratic electoral process.
