KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica’s Supreme Court has delivered a significant ruling by rejecting a judicial review application from Paul Buchanan, the People’s National Party (PNP) candidate for St Andrew West Central. Buchanan had contested the September 3 general election results, alleging procedural irregularities in his constituency.
The court’s decision hinged primarily on the expiration of the statutory period for challenging election outcomes, rendering Buchanan’s application legally untenable. Judicial authorities emphasized that while the Constituted Authority remains subject to judicial scrutiny, Buchanan failed to present substantiated grounds for his case.
The ruling highlighted that election disputes are governed by strict timelines under Jamaican law. Although Buchanan filed within the three-month maximum period permitted by civil procedure rules, the court found his nine-day delay between the Authority’s September 30 determination and his October 8 application demonstrated insufficient urgency. The judgment noted that his constituency-specific complaints did not raise broader constitutional questions that might have justified exceptional consideration.
This decision reinforces the judicial system’s commitment to procedural discipline in electoral matters and establishes important precedent regarding the timely resolution of election disputes.