Jamaica

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Question Value
1. Is there a ban on donations from foreign interests to political parties?
  • CodeYes
  • Comment

    BLANK

  • Source

    Source: Article 52AT, Representation of the People (Amendment) Act, 2016
2. Is there a ban on donations from foreign interests to candidates?
  • CodeYes
  • Comment

    BLANK

  • Source

    Source: Article 52AT, Representation of the People (Amendment) Act, 2016
3. Is there a ban on corporate donations to political parties?
  • CodeNo
  • Comment

    BLANK

  • Source

    Source: Article 52AS, Representation of the People (Amendment) Act, 2016
4. Is there a ban on corporate donations to candidates?
  • CodeNo
  • Comment

    BLANK

  • Source

    Source: Article 52AS, Representation of the People (Amendment) Act, 2016
5. Is there a ban on donations from Trade Unions to political parties?
  • CodeNo
  • Comment

    BLANK

  • Source

    Source: Article 52AT, Representation of the People (Amendment) Act, 2016
6. Is there a ban on donations from Trade Unions to candidates?
  • CodeNo
  • Comment

    BLANK

  • Source

    Source: Article 52AT, Representation of the People (Amendment) Act, 2016
7. Is there a ban on anonymous donations to political parties?
  • CodeYes
  • Comment

    BLANK

  • Source

    Source: Article 52AT, Representation of the People (Amendment) Act, 2016
8. Is there a ban on anonymous donations to candidates?
  • CodeYes
  • Comment

    BLANK

  • Source

    Source: Article 52AT, Representation of the People (Amendment) Act, 2016
9. Is there a ban on donations from corporations with government contracts to political parties?
  • CodeNo
  • Comment

    BLANK

  • Source

    Source: Article 52AS, Representation of the People (Amendment) Act, 2016
10. Is there a ban on donations from corporations with government contracts to candidates?
  • CodeNo
  • Comment

    BLANK

  • Source

    Source: Article 52AS, Representation of the People (Amendment) Act, 2016
11. Is there a ban on donations from corporations with partial government ownership to political parties?
  • CodeNo
  • Comment

    BLANK

  • Source

    Source: Representation of the People (Amendment) Act, 2016
12. Is there a ban on donations from corporations with partial government ownership to candidates?
  • CodeNo
  • Comment

    BLANK

  • Source

    Source: Representation of the People (Amendment) Act, 2016
13. Is there a ban on the use of state resources in favour or against a political party or candidate?
  • CodeNo data
  • Comment
  • Source
14. Is there a limit on the amount a donor can contribute to a political party during a non-election specific period?
  • CodeYes, for both natural and legal persons
  • Comment

    BLANK

  • Source
15. If there is a limit on the amount a donor can contribute to a political party during a non-election specific period, what is the limit?
  • CodeNo data
  • Comment
  • Source
16. Is there a limit on the amount a donor can contribute to a political party during an election?
  • CodeYes, for both natural and legal persons
  • Comment

    5% of the political party expenditure limit .

  • Source

    Source: Article 52AY, Representation of the People (Amendment) Act, 2016
17. If there is a limit on the amount a donor can contribute to a political party during an election, what is the limit?
  • Code 31,500,000
  • Comment

    5% of the political party expediture limit.

  • Source

    Source: Article 52AY, Representation of the People (Amendment) Act, 2016
18. Is there a limit on the amount a donor can contribute to a candidate?
  • CodeYes, for both natural and legal persons
  • Comment

    10% of the expenditure limit for candidate

  • Source

    Source: Article 52AY, Representation of the People (Amendment) Act, 2016
19. If there is a limit on the amount a donor can contribute to a candidate, what is the limit?
  • Code 1,500,000 GHS
  • Comment

    BLANK

  • Source

    Source: Article 52AY, Representation of the People (Amendment) Act, 2016
20. Is there a limit on the amount a candidate can contribute to their own election campaign?
  • CodeNo
  • Comment

    BLANK

  • Source

    Source: Article 52AY, Representation of the People (Amendment) Act, 2016
21. Is there a limit on in-kind donations to political parties?
  • CodeYes
  • Comment

    General limit of donations applies.

  • Source

    Source: Article 52AY, Representation of the People (Amendment) Act, 2016
22. Is there a limit on in-kind donations to candidates?
  • CodeYes
  • Comment

    General limit applies.

  • Source

    Source: Article 52BI, Representation of the People (Amendment) Act, 2016
23. Is there a ban on political parties engaging in commercial activities?
  • CodeNo data
  • Comment
  • Source
24. Is there a ban on political parties taking loans in relation to election campaigns?
  • CodeNo
  • Comment

    BLANK

  • Source

    Source: Article 52AT, Representation of the People (Amendment) Act, 2016
25. Is there a ban on candidates taking loans in relation to election campaigns?
  • CodeNo
  • Comment

    BLANK

  • Source

    Source: Article 52AT, Representation of the People (Amendment) Act, 2016
26. Is there a ban on donors to political parties/candidates participating in public tender/procurement processes?
  • CodeNo
  • Comment

    Donors need to inform about participating in public tender if it happaned up 2 years before donation or within 2 years after donation.z

     

  • Source

    Source: Article 52AS, Representation of the People (Amendment) Act, 2016
27. Are there provisions requiring donations to go through the banking system?
  • CodeSometimes
  • Comment

    Only contributions made in relation to election campaign shall be maintained in a bank account.

  • Source

    14. – (1) A registered political party shall open and maintain a bank account with a financial institution that is governed by the provisions of the Banking Services Act.
    (2) The bank account under paragraph (1) shall be opened as soon as practicable after the first contribution is received by the registered political party and before the registered political party becomes liable for the payment of election expenses.
    (3) Only contributions made in relation to election campaign financing shall be maintained in a bank account opened in accordance with this regulation.

    Source: Election Campaign Financing Regulations, 2017.

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Question Value
28. Are there provisions for direct public funding to political parties?
  • CodeYes, both regularly and in relation to campaigns
  • Comment

    Regulary provided funding for political parties.

    Reimbursement of campaign expenditures for candidates (both independent and from political parties)

  • Source

    52AG(1) Every registered political party that

    a) meets the requirements of section 12(1);

    (b) has its annual financial statement independently audited by a registered public accountant within the meaning of section 2 of the Public Accountancy Act and submitted to the Commission within one hundred and twenty days of the end of the financial year of the registered political party,

    shall be entitled in each financial year to receive as state funding the sums ofmoney referred to in this section.

    Source: Article 52AG (1), Representation of the People (Amendment) Act 2014

    52BN (1) The Government may [...] provide funding for the reimbursement of election expenses incurred by

    a) the candidates of a registered political party [...]

    b) an independent candidate [...]

    Source: Article 52BN (1), Representation of the People (Amendment) Act 2016
29. What are the eligibility criteria for political parties to receive public funding?
  • CodeShare of votes in previous election | Share of seats in previous election
  • Comment

    Each party which has at least 5 MPs or had at least 5% votes in last elections, and submitted annual financial report.

    Candidate who has received at least 5% votes.

  • Source

    52AG(1) Every registered political party that

    a) meets the requirements of section 12(1);

    (b) has its annual financial statement independently audited by a registered public accountant within the meaning of section 2 of the Public Accountancy Act and submitted to the Commission within one hundred and twenty days of the end of the financial year of the registered political party,

    shall be entitled in each financial year to receive as state funding the sums of money referred to in this section.

    Source: Article 52AG (1), Representation of the People (Amendment) Act 2014

    12.(1) Each party having –

    a) five or more members in the House of Representative or

    b) not less than five percent of the total vote at the last national election, [...]

    Source: Article 12 (1), Representation of the People Act 1944 (2012)

    52BN (1) The Government may [...] provide funding for the reimbursement of election expenses incurred by

    a) the candidates of a registered political party [...]

    b) an independent candidate, who has received at least five percent of the votes cast in the election.

    Source: Article 52BN (1), Representation of the People (Amendment) Act 2016
30. What is the allocation calculation for political parties to receive public funding?
  • CodeEqual
  • Comment

    BLANK

  • Source

    52AG (2) Subject to subsections (3), (4) and (6), for the purposes of this Act the amount approved by Parliament for state funding shall be divided equally among the political parties that qualify to receive state funding.

    Source: Article 52AG (2), Representation of the People (Amendment) Act 2014
31. What are the provisions on 'ear marking' direct public funding to political parties (how it should be used)?
  • CodeOngoing party activities | Research and policy initiatives
  • Comment

    BLANK

  • Source

    52AH. The funds allocated to a registered political party shall be used solely and exclusively for

    a) the development of the political party;

    (b) the off-setting of the operating expenses of the political party that is to say

    i) its headquarters

    ii) the salaries of party administrators;

    iii) electricity, water and telephone bills;

    (c) party recruitment and civic education;

    (d) research and policy development of the political party;

    (e) education and training of members of the political party; and

    (f) other reasonable logistical and operating expenses to strengthen the political party as a democratic institution.

    Source: Article 52AH (1), Representation of the People (Amendment) Act 2014
32. Are there provisions for free or subsidized access to media for political parties?
  • CodeNo data
  • Comment
  • Source
33. What criteria determine allocation for free or subsidized access to media for political parties?
  • CodeNo data
  • Comment
  • Source
34. Are there provisions for free or subsidized access to media for candidates?
  • CodeNo data
  • Comment
  • Source
35. Are there provisions for any other form of indirect public funding?
  • CodeNo
  • Comment

    BLANK

  • Source

    Source: Representation of the People (Amendment) Act, 2016

    Source: Representation of the People (Amendment) Act 2014

     
36. Is the provision of direct public funding to political parties tied to gender equality among candidates?
  • CodeNo
  • Comment

    BLANK

  • Source

    Source: Representation of the People (Amendment) Act, 2016

    Source: Representation of the People (Amendment) Act 2014
37. Are there provisions for other financial advantages to encourage gender equality in political parties?
  • CodeNo
  • Comment

    BLANK

  • Source

    Source: Representation of the People (Amendment) Act, 2016

    Source: Representation of the People (Amendment) Act 2014

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Question Value
38. Is there a ban on vote buying?
  • CodeYes
  • Comment

    BLANK

  • Source

    91 (1) The following persons shall be deemed guilty of bribery

    (a) within the meaning of this Act every person who directly or indirectly, by himself or by any other person on his behalf, gives, lends, or agrees to give or lend, or offers, promises, or promises to procure or endeavour to procure, any money or valuable consideration to or for any voter or to or for any person on behalf of any voter, or to or for any person in order to induce any voter to vote or refrain from voting, or coruptly does any such act as aforesaid on account of such voter having voted or refrained from voting at any election; [...]

    Source: Article 91 (1), Representation of the People Act 1944 (2012)
39. Are there limits on the amount a political party can spend?
  • CodeYes
  • Comment

    BLANK

  • Source

    Source: Article 52BH, Representation of the People (Amendment) Act, 2016
40. If there are limits on the amount a political party can spend, what is the limit?
  • Code 630,000,000 GHS
  • Comment

    BLANK

  • Source

    Source: Article 52BH, Representation of the People (Amendment) Act, 2016
41. Are there limits on the amount a candidate can spend?
  • CodeYes
  • Comment

    BLANK

  • Source

    Source: Article 52BI, Representation of the People (Amendment) Act, 2016
42. If there are limits on the amount a candidate can spend, what is the limit?
  • Code 15,000,000 GHS
  • Comment

    BLANK

  • Source

    Source: Article 52BI, Representation of the People (Amendment) Act, 2016
43. Are there limits on the amount that third parties can spend on election campaign activities?
  • CodeNo data
  • Comment
  • Source
44. Are there limits on traditional media advertising spending in relation to election campaigns?
  • CodeNo
  • Comment

    BLANK

  • Source

    Source: Representation of the People (Amendment) Act, 2016

    Source: Representation of the People (Amendment) Act 2014
45. Are there limits on online media advertising spending in relation to election campaigns?
  • CodeNo
  • Comment

    BLANK

  • Source

    Source: Representation of the People (Amendment) Act, 2016

    Source: Representation of the People (Amendment) Act 2014
46. Do any other restrictions on online media advertisement (beyond limits) exist?
  • CodeNo
  • Comment

    BLANK

  • Source

    Source: Representation of the People (Amendment) Act, 2016

    Source: Representation of the People (Amendment) Act 2014

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Question Value
47. Do political parties have to report regularly on their finances?
  • CodeYes
  • Comment

    BLANK

  • Source

    52AE.(1) Every registered political party annual returns. shall, on or before the 1 st day of April in every year, prepare and submit to the Commission for the preceding financial year of that political party -

    (a) an annual financial report prepared by a registered public accountant;

    (b) a statement showing the sources of the funds of the political party.

    Source: Article 52AE (1), Representation of the People (Amendment) Act 2014
48. Do political parties have to report on their election campaign finances?
  • CodeYes
  • Comment

    BLANK

  • Source

    52BJ (1) Every registered political party shall submit to the Commission,a Campaign Period Expenditure Report in the prescribed form and manner within a period of one hundred and eighty days after the day of an election.
    Source: article 52BJ (1), Representation of the People (Amendment) Act, 2016

    52BP (1) Every registered political party and every candidate [...] shall submit to the Commission, a Final Disclosure Report in the prescribed for detailing its or his income and expenditure, and all contributions received during the reporting period.
    Source: Article 52BP (1), Representation of the People (Amendment) Act, 2016
49. Do candidates have to report on their election campaign finances?
  • CodeYes
  • Comment

    BLANK

  • Source

    52BP (1) Every registered political party and every candidate [...] shall submit to the Commission, a Final Disclosure Report in the prescribed for detailing its or his income and expenditure, and all contributions received during the reporting period.
    Source: Article 52BP (1), Representation of the People (Amendment) Act, 2016
50. Do third parties have to report on election campaign finances?
  • CodeNo
  • Comment

    BLANK

  • Source

    Source: Representation of the People (Amendment) Act, 2016
51. Is information in reports from political parties and/or candidates to be made public?
  • CodeYes
  • Comment

    Election Commision shall publish after election reports disclosing the total contributions received by each political party; and list of all contributions of or exceeding 1,000,000 JMD received by political party and candidate.

  • Source

    Source: Article 52BR, Representation of the People (Amendment) Act, 2016
52. Must reports from political parties and/or candidates reveal the identity of donors?
  • CodeYes
  • Comment

    BLANK

  • Source

    52BP (1) Every registered political party and every candidate, [...] shall submit to the Commission, a Final Disclosure Report in teh prescribed form detailing its or his income and expenditure, andall contributions  received during the reporting period.

    Source: Article 52BP, Representation of the People (Amendment) Act, 2016
53. Must reports from political parties and/or candidates include information on itemized income?
  • CodeYes
  • Comment

    BLANK

  • Source

    52BP (1) Every registered political party and every candidate, [...] shall submit to the Commission, a Final Disclosure Report in teh prescribed form detailing its or his income and expenditure, andall contributions  received during the reporting period.

    Source: Article 52BP, Representation of the People (Amendment) Act, 2016
54. Must reports from political parties and/or candidates include information on itemized spending?
  • CodeYes
  • Comment

    BLANK

  • Source

    52BP (1) Every registered political party and every candidate, [...] shall submit to the Commission, a Final Disclosure Report in teh prescribed form detailing its or his income and expenditure, andall contributions  received during the reporting period.

    Source: Article 52BP, Representation of the People (Amendment) Act, 2016
55. Which institution(s) receives financial reports from political parties and/or candidates?
  • CodeEMB
  • Comment

    BLANK

  • Source

    52BP (1) Every registered political party and every candidate, [...] shall submit to the Commission, a Final Disclosure Report in teh prescribed form detailing its or his income and expenditure, andall contributions  received during the reporting period.

    Source: Article 52BP, Representation of the People (Amendment) Act, 2016

     
56. Which institution(s) is responsible for examining financial reports and/or investigating violations?
  • CodeNo data
  • Comment
  • Source
57. What power is granted to the institution(s) responsible for examining reports and/or investigating violations?
  • CodeCarry out investigation | Impose sanctions
  • Comment

    Conducting an additional audit.

    Suspension of public funding.

  • Source

    52AF (1) Notwithstanding section 52AE, the Commission may cause the accounts of a political party to be audited by an independent auditor appointed by the Commission.

    Source: Article 52AE (3), Representation of the People (Amendment) Act, 2014

    52AJ.(1) Where a political party that has received state funding(

    a) fails to comply with its obligations under this Act; or

    (b) submits information to the Commission that contains or is based on a false or misleading representation or information which is false in a material particular,

    it ceases to be entitled to receive state funding in accordance with section 52AI(2), and the Commission may suspend the payment of state funding to that political party in accordance with this section.

    Source: Article 52AJ (1) Representation of the People (Amendment) Act, 2014
58. What sanctions are provided for political finance infractions?
  • CodeFines | Prison | Loss of public funding
  • Comment

    Fine 1,000,000 JMD

    Imprisonment for maximum 12 months

    Suspension of the public funding

  • Source

    52AE (3) Every person who wilfully makes, or causes to be made, any false entry in, or omission from

    a) any report or statement under subsection (1); or

    (b) the accounting records referred to in section 52AD(1)(a), commits an offence and shall be liable on summary conviction in a Resident Magistrate's Court to a fine not exceeding one million dollars or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding twelve months or to both such fine and imprisonment.

    Source: Article 52AE (3), Representation of the People (Amendment) Act, 2014

     

    52AJ.(1) Where a political party that has received state funding(

    a) fails to comply with its obligations under this Act; or

    (b) submits information to the Commission that contains or is based on a false or misleading representation or information which is false in a material particular,

    it ceases to be entitled to receive state funding in accordance with section 52AI(2), and the Commission may suspend the payment of state funding to that political party in accordance with this section.

    Source: Article 52AJ (1) Representation of the People (Amendment) Act, 2014

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