Richards (left) knocks heads with Buckley at a PAJ function. - File

MEDIA PRACTITIONERS will today elect a new governing body for the Press Association of Jamaica (PAJ) at the organisation's annual general meeting (AGM).

More than 200 persons have registered to vote in the elections, which take place at the PAJ's headquarters located at 5 East Avenue, Kingston 8.

Incumbent president, Desmond Richards, and secretary, Byron Buckley, are contending for leadership of the 65-year-old organisation, which represents media practitioners involved in the production and presentation of news.

Buckley confident

Buckley has expressed confidence in winning today's polls.

"The team which I will lead is ready to awaken this sleeping giant," Buckley says. "My mission is to transform the Press Association of Jamaica into a modern and influential organisation capable of representing media practitioners in the corridors of power," he adds.

Meanwhile, Richards, who is seeking to win his fifth consecutive term as president, is running under the banner 'Let's Continue the Progress'.

Richards' platform

Richards tells The Sunday Gleaner that "the defence of the integrity of the profession" forms his platform for re-election.

"Those who want to stand up against manipulation of the press can vote for me," Richards says.

The AGM commences at noon, with election of officers following at 1 p.m. Members are asked to carry an identification card to facilitate the voting process.