Leader of the Jamaica Labour Party, and Prime Minister Andrew holness has shot down criticism from the opposition about calling a by election, when a general election is expected soon.

The Peoples National Party has said that it will not be contesting the south east Clarendon by election set for next month, citing waste of public funds just to satisfy the internal exigencies of the ruling JLP.

Speaking at the JLP area council meeting in Portmore St Catherine today, Holness said he has taken note of the criticisms.

He stressed that the democratic process must be allowed to function.

He pointed out that in 2001, a by election was called for north east St. Ann, which did not draw any criticism about being called just months before the general election.

Holness described the issue is a distraction.