Robert Hart, Assistant News Editor
Prime Minister P.J. Patterson speaks at the PNP National Executive Council meeting held at the Jamaica Conference Centre yesterday. The Prime Minister announced that the special delegates' conference to elect a new PNP leader will be held on February 25. - NORMAN GRINDLEY/DEPUTY CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
IN JUST over a month, the nation will know the next leader of the governing People's National Party (PNP) and consequently, the next Prime Minister of Jamaica.
Outgoing Prime Minister P.J. Patterson announced during yesterday's meeting of the party's National Executive Council (NEC) that the special delegates conference to elect a new PNP president will be held on Saturday, February 25.
"Some time before the end of the legislative year, which is March 31, that person will already have taken up the post (of party president)," Mr. Patterson said to thunderous applause from those gathered for the NEC meeting at the Jamaica Conference Centre, downtown Kingston.
Mr. Patterson had indicated late last year that he would take the PNP president-elect on a farewell caravan across the country before demitting office in time for a new prime minister to lead the Government into Parliament for the April start of the 2006/2007 legislative year.
Mr. Patterson said nomination forms would be available at the PNP's Old Hope Road headquarters on Wednesday and that nominations would be closed on Friday, February 3.
While describing the nomination forms, the PNP President addressed the tone of the ongoing leadership campaign which has gathered momentum among the four aspirants for the post in recent weeks.
Mr. Patterson harshly criticised the campaign supporters, some of whom he suggested had crossed the line and were threatening to create disunity within the party.
He warned the contenders that the party presidency was not worth winning at any cost.
"I have found no problem in any of the acts or the utterances of the candidates themselves," he said. "I have had some very serious concerns with some of what their supporters are saying. And instead of helping their candidates as they believe, they are pushing their candidates down."
Mr. Patterson added: "But even worse than that, they are creating a climate where should their candidate succeed, it has almost been made impossible for that candidate to bring everybody together again. And I am not going to allow it!"
The Prime Minister said the nomination forms, to be signed by the candidates, would call on them to uphold the principles of the party's constitution, abide by the political code of conduct, and to spare no effort to promote peace and harmony.
He said incidents such as the killing of a young man last week Sunday in Golden Spring, allegedly by supporters of presidential candidate Dr. Peter Phillips, must "never, ever, ever, be repeated".
Appended to the nomination form will also be a document for the leaders of each campaign team to sign pledging to avoid personal attacks on supporters of other candidates, threats or bribery to secure votes.
Rules of the game
Candidates must agree to:
Uphold principles and objectives of PNP constitution.
Abide by code of conduct and rules of engagement for campaign.
Accept that they must conduct campaign in such a manner as to enhance the democratic traditions and reputation of the party.
If elected, promote the unity of the party and, if unsuccessful in election, to abide by the outcome and give full support to the winner.
To honour and respect Constitution and laws of Jamaica.
To abide by all existing joint agreements, declarations, codes, rules and guidelines for the discharge of public office.
To spare no effort at promoting peace, tolerance and harmony within the nation and thereby enhance justice, equity, development and progress.
Campaign leaders must agree to:
Avoid personal attacks on other candidates, spokespersons, and supporters.
Refrain from seeking any votes by threat, inducement or any other improper means.
Maintain accurate record of all campaign funds received to ensure not from tainted source.
Must be able to account for expenditure incurred.
