Earl Jarrett, chief executive officer of the Jamaica National Group, has been selected as chairman of the Electoral Commission of Jamaica (ECJ), effective March 1.
The ECJ's mission is to "conduct national elections so that no advantage is given to any party or individual contesting the polls, ensuring that the objective of one man one vote is met under the six stated principles of universal adult suffrage." In addition to overseeing the general elections, the commission is responsible for "compiling and maintaining the register of eligible electors; verifying the identity of every eligible elector; approving political parties eligible to receive state funding; and administering electoral funding and financial disclosure requirements."
It is comprised of four selected commissioners, four nominated commissioners and the director of elections. Two of the nominated commissioners are appointed on the advice of the prime minister and two on the advice of the leader of the Opposition. Jarrett was elected from among the four selected commissioners of the ECJ.
Earl Jarrett is a member of the Inter-American Dialogue. He serves on the Dialogue's Board of Directors.
The pendulum of Latin American politics is swinging rightward once again. Yet as the “pink tide” recedes, the forces of change have more to do with socioeconomics than ideology. Dramatic economic and political crises have coincided in countries like Brazil and Venezuela. Still, the final result for Latin America may be the emergence of centrist, pragmatic modes of governance, and with them, opportunities for the U.S. to improve relations. The new administration must look beyond the neoliberal model of the 1990s, and develop an approach to relations fit for the 21st century.
On Oct. 20, Bolivian President Evo Morales will go to the polls in search of a fourth term. Victory would extend his time in office to almost two decades, and — depending on how the election goes — could place democracy itself at risk in the Andean country.
