(Jamaica Observer) A plan by the People’s National Party Youth Organisation (PNPYO) to field a candidate in next month’s by-election in North West Clarendon will result in its immediate expulsion from the party, authoritative PNP sources have told the Observer.
According to the Observer sources, the young comrades have insisted on fielding a candidate today – nomination day – despite the decision of the Opposition party not to contest the poll. The group’s action, the sources said, was on the grounds that “no one should be allowed victory by acclamation, especially as our heroes fought so hard for universal adult suffrage – the right to vote”.
Calling themselves “socialist youth in the defence of democracy”, it’s unclear if the position is held by the entire leadership of the youth organisation or by a faction.
The news, however, is not being well-received by the PNP.
“We have heard about it. We have heard about it. I am just about to call them, and it is something that will be discussed at the executive meeting tonight,” an official who requested anonymity said on Monday evening.
Still, another official was hopping mad on morning when asked about the matter at a press conference at the party’s headquarters.
“I have heard about it too. But follow me, let them enter a candidate and see what will happen before the day is out on Wednesday.
