Golding calls by-election date

Prime Minister Bruce Golding today announced December 20 as the date for the by-election in the North East St Ann constituency.
Golding told a news conference at the headquarters of the ruling Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) that Nomination Day will be on Friday, December 3.
He said that Shahini Robinson, who was forced to give up the seat following a court order, will be the party’s candidate.
The North East St. Ann seat was declared vacant by the Supreme Court last month after Robinson admitted that she held United States citizenship.
Robinson’s removal resulted in the Government’s majority in Parliament being reduced to 31 in the 60-seat Parliament. The main opposition People’s National Party (PNP) has 28 seats.
Meanwhile, attorneys for Manley Bowen, a former PNP legislator who brought the court action against Robinson, have warned that strong legal action will be taken if there is any attempt to call the by-election while a petition concerning the seat is still before the courts. (CMC)