Fisher

THE ELECTORAL Commission of Jamaica (ECJ) is now preparing to advertise for applications for the post of director of elections, but in the interim it has appointed 48-year-old Orrette Fisher to act in the position.

Fisher, one of the longest-serving assistant directors of elections, was appointed yesterday, two days after the resignation of Danville Walker over his dual citizenship issue.

Walker stepped down on Monday following mounting pressure for him to relinquish his post, after it was revealed in court that he had sworn allegiance to a foreign power.

Fisher, who has been at the Electoral Office of Jamaica (EOJ) since April 1995, served as acting director for about eight months, after the resignation of former director of elections, Major Winston Sutherland, in October 1996.

Asked whether he would be applying for the top job, Fisher said he would make a decision when the post was advertised.

"Apart from feeling very honoured to have been considered, I have always considered myself to be a part of the team," he said.

First priority

Fisher said his first priority would be to get the full support of all members of staff and to work closely with the ECJ to continue the initiatives started by his predecessor.

Professor Errol Miller, chairman of the ECJ, said at a meeting of the commission yesterday that members chose Fisher from the three assistant directors because of his seniority and experience.

The other two assistant directors were Earl DeLisser, in charge of field operations, and Valerie Smith, who has responsibility for information systems.

Miller said Fisher performed competently more than 10 years ago, during the transition period leading up to the appointment of Danville Walker.

"We have every confidence that he will be able to manage the affairs of the commission in an effective manner," Miller said.

Commenting on the recruitment of a new director, the ECJ head told journalists that the terms of reference and job description of the new director of elections would have to be reviewed.

The Constitution bars persons who have sworn allegiance to another state to be the director of elections.

Miller said persons who apply for the job would now have to satisfy the legal requirements, as stipulated by the Electoral Commission (Interim) Act.

Meanwhile, Miller sought to assure that no other member of the commission was in breach of the act.

He also tried to allay fears that the EOJ was not ready for a general election.

The ECJ head said, on the recommendation of the acting director of elections or a director of the EOJ, it could decide to rely on the expertise of Walker.