The Representation of the People Act or the Interim Electoral Reform Act passed by the House of Representatives recently is aimed primarily at establishing the Electoral Commission to replace the Electoral Advisory Committee (EAC), which was set up in 1979.

In addition, the legislation provides for the appointment of a director of elections to perform the duties of a chief electoral officer.

According to the legislation, the objects of the commission shall be to safeguard the democratic foundations of Jamaica by enabling eligible electors to elect, through free and fair elections, their representatives to govern the country.

The functions of the Commission include:

The establishment of policies for governing the registration of electors

Giving directions to the director on the performance of his functions under the Representation of the People Act

Conducting (i) general elections or by-elections as the case may require, of members to serve:

(a) In the House of Representatives

(b) On the Council of the Kingston and St. Andrew Corporation or any Parish Council; or

(c) As mayor of a municipality

(ii) Referenda

Compile and maintain the register of eligible electors

Verify the identification of every eligible elector

Prepare the official list of electors in accordance with the Representation of the People Act

Approve political parties eligible to receive state funding with respect to any or all aspects of the electoral process

Administer electoral funding and financial disclosure requirements

Monitor election expenditure by candidates or their official agents

Advise Parliament on the number of constituencies into which Jamaica should be divided

Determine polling divisions and constituencies

Conduct research on electoral matters and publish materials to enhance the electoral process

Establish entities or mechanisms to provide services and products necessary for:

(i) The conduct of elections

(ii) The identification of persons

(iii) The verification of residence

The Electoral Commission is required to submit an annual report to Parliament through the leader of Government Business in the House. The document is to be tabled in the House within four weeks of receipt of the report.