As the electorate prepares to go to the polls for the local government election, the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ) is calling for political leaders to uphold ethical standards and unity in their discussions.

PSOJ president Metry Seaga says these principles are critical to upholding the legitimacy of the country’s democratic process.

“As the elections draw near the PSOJ aims to underscore the critical issues essential for upholding the legitimacy of our democratic process and we call for the upholding of ethical standards fostering unity and inclusivity, prioritising national development over partisan interest,” Seaga said.

He was speaking at a press conference at the PSOJ headquarters in Kingston on Thursday (February 15).

“In this time of heightened political activity, the PSOJ demands unity and inclusivity in the discussions by our politicians. We want our politicians to speak about issues and plans for the future and not the personal attacks we have seen in the past. Enough is Enough. Our ultimate goal should be the advancement and prosperity of Jamaica above any party, Jamaica first,” Seaga said.

The local government election is set to take place on February 26.

Seaga mused that the PSOJ acknowledges the legislative adjustment to incorporate the responsibilities of the political ombudsman in the Electoral Commission of Jamaica, and hoped this legislation will strengthen the integrity of the country’s political landscape.

“We hope this new legislative framework will strengthen the integrity of our political landscape in line with Jamaica’s economic and social objective and it is imperative that the political ombudsman is independent and empowered to enforce sanctions promoting accountability and fairness,” he added.

The Governor-General Sir Patrick Allen has officially given assent to the Office of the Political Ombudsman being subsumed into the Electoral Commission of Jamaica (ECJ).

The Ministry of Justice in a recent statement said the bill was gazetted on Tuesday, February 13, and is now law.

The bill becoming law came under strong resistance from the Opposition People’s National Party, but was passed in both Houses of Parliament with the Government using its majority vote in the legislature