THE Electoral Office of Jamaica (EOJ) says all is in place to accept nominations from eligible candidates for the by-election in the constituency of St Ann North Eastern.

Nomination will take place on Wednesday, September 11 at 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at the Office of the Returning Officer, St Ann North Eastern, located at 1 Wharf Street, St Ann’s Bay.

Nomination procedures

On nomination day, any person wishing to contest the election is required to:

* fill out a nomination form signed by any 10 or more electors registered to vote in the constituency;

* return the form to the returning officer between the hours of 10:00 am and 2:00 pm; and

* pay the nomination fee of $15,000.

Subject to the provisions of the Constitution of Jamaica (Sections 39 and 40), any person seeking to enter as a candidate to sit in the House of Representatives should, inter alia:

* be a citizen of Jamaica, resident in Jamaica for at least 12 months prior to the date of nomination or a Commonwealth citizen who has

resided in Jamaica for at least 12 months prior to the nomination date; and

* be at least 21 years of age.

Political parties intending to contest the election must be registered with the EOJ under the Representation of the People (Amendment) Act 2014. Individuals wishing to contest the election who are not members of registered political parties may do so as independent candidates.

The ruling Jamaica Labour Party will be nominating former Cabinet minister Matthew Samuda, while the Opposition People’s National Party said last week that it will not be contesting.