The Jamaica First Movement, JFM, wants the Electoral Commission to re-design ballot papers to include options for voters not to select any of the nominated candidates.
In a statement late on Sunday, JFM said every citizen has the right not only to vote, but to formally register dissatisfaction when no candidate or party reflects their values. It says Jamaica’s electoral system currently lacks a formal mechanism for voters to express disapproval.
JFM says citizens who feel unrepresented are left with only one option: to abstain, and in doing so, have their voices go unrecognised.
At a press conference on Saturday, JFM founder, Reverend Al Miller, said the move will be a sign of protest.
Reverend Al Miller, founder of JFM.
According to JFM, several countries have implemented various forms of “none of the above”, or blank vote options. It cited examples from India, Spain, Colombia, Peru, and Nevada in the United States.
JFM says the models prove that dissent is not disengagement, but rather a deep commitment to the democratic process.
According to the Electoral Office of Jamaica, any mark placed on a ballot other than ‘X’ renders the ballot rejected.
Rev Miller says the dissenting votes should be counted.
