Political parties will no longer be considered unregulated private fraternities, as political parties or independent candidates must be registered to participate in elections.

This from Prime Minister Andrew Holness who spoke at this morning’s (Jan 15) launch of the Electoral Commission of Jamaica political party registration.

The regulations are set out under the Political Registration Act 2014.

The regulations set out procedures for transparent registration and de-registration of political parties.

It also outlines that for political parties that meet the criteria for any potential future state funding, the party must be registered and have their finances monitored and regulated by the commission.

Speaking at the launch this morning, Prime Minister Andrew Holness said this is a milestone for Jamaicans as political parties will now be formalized.

This as Jamaica is the first Caribbean country to have passed such legislation in the region.

Prime Minister Holness adds that the mask of anonymity must be removed and transparency enhanced in politics, and with this legalisation, used as intended, it will be possible.

After submitting applications for registration to the ECJ, both the Jamaica Labour Party and the People’s National Party are registered under the legislation.

Prior to the passage of the legislation there was no requirement for political parties in Jamaica to be registered or for their financial arrangements be regulated.

Meanwhile, Leader of the Opposition Dr. Peter Phillips is calling for a legislative framework to guide the code of political conduct.

He says this will assist in ensuring that conduct of political parties and citizens are in keeping with the standards professed by the government, especially during elections.

He made the call at the launch of political parties’ registration this morning.

Dr. Phillips explained that the code of political conduct is sometimes breached and with the legislation in place it can establish and consolidate penalties for those who breach the political code of conduct.

Dr. Phillips says this will aid in the plan to ensure that good standards are upheld in Jamaica.