Everald Warmington, Member of Parliament for St Catherine South Western, has tabled a motion in Jamaica’s House of Representatives calling for significant amendments to the Representation of the People Act (ROPA), which governs the country’s electoral processes. Warmington, a government MP, proposed eliminating the requirement for voters to mark their ballots with a cross (X) using a black lead pencil, arguing that this rule is outdated and restrictive. He suggested that voters should be allowed to use any implement and make any mark that clearly indicates their choice. Additionally, Warmington advocated for extending voting hours from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm to accommodate modern lifestyles and technological advancements. He also called for a full re-verification of the voters’ list, citing concerns about inflated voter registration numbers and inaccurate turnout statistics. Warmington further proposed amendments to allow election agents to operate closer to polling stations, ensuring they can effectively perform their duties. These reforms aim to enhance the transparency, accessibility, and efficiency of Jamaica’s electoral system. Parliament will decide whether to debate the motion, with the next local government elections scheduled for 2028 and the general election by 2030.
