Jamaica debating Term Limits for the Prime Minister

Jamaica's Opposition party, the People's National Party (PNP) through its leader Portia Simpson-Miller has indicated that it would not support term limits for the Prime Minister of Jamaica.

Mrs. Simpson-Miller believes that Jamaica's Constitution is based on the West Minister form of Government, whereby the prime minister is elected by through a majority of the elected Members of Parliament. The Opposition leader considers term limits more ideal for a republican form of government, where a president is elected by the people.

Prime Minister Bruce Golding who brought the bill to Parliament last afternoon presented the proposal for parliamentary debate.

Mr. Bruce Golding of the ruling Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) argues that power can be addictive and can lead to a manipulation of the democratic process.

But in contributing to the debate on the proposed term limit for prime minister the Opposition leader Portia Simpson Miller said it was unnecessary and unwise.

According to Simpson Miller, such a move would deny the citizens of the Jamaica the right to an individual of their choice continuing as prime minister for more than two terms.

This writer has also made the point of Prime Minister Golding in an article with regards to Barbados, called Ten year Term limits for the Barbados Prime Minister.