By Racquel Porter

Opposition Leader Mark Golding is calling for Prime Minister Andrew Holness to revise the performance evaluation mechanism for Members of Parliament, saying as it lacks key elements that will make it more effective.

Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, Mr. Golding argued that while the party is not objecting to the measures announced by Mr. Holness on Monday, he feels that some critical mechanisms, including the tabling of the impeachment legislation, have been overlooked.

Mr. Golding said he tabled the impeachment legislation as a constitutional amendment in Parliament two years ago.

But he claimed it was essentially blocked by the government. 

“I’m calling on the government, again, to refer to a joint select committee so that the wider society can play a role in finalising that legislation and then it can be passed into law so that parliamentarians who behave in a manner which is offensive and inconsistent with the status and requirements of their office can be accountable for that,” he declared. 

Mr. Golding said the PNP would also be interested in the development of recall legislation that would allow the constituents to petition for the recall of a Member of Parliament.

The PNP leader argued that the petition would trigger a process that could result in an MP demitting office prior to the next general election. 

“These are mechanisms which exist elsewhere and which would help to ensure accountability for political representatives,” he suggested.