Man charged for recording St Mary South Eastern ballot recount, posting video online

The St Mary police on Monday charged a man for using his cell phone to record electoral proceedings during the official counting of ballots for the St Mary South Eastern constituency, following the September 3 general elections, and posting the video to social media.

Leon Campbell, 47, otherwise called ‘Poogie,’ is charged with use of a computer for malicious communication and obstruction of an election officer.

Jamaicans went to the polls on September 3.

According to the police, on Thursday, September 4, during the recount of ballots for the St Mary South Eastern seat at the Annotto Bay Primary School, Campbell reportedly used his cell phone to record electoral workers while making statements alleging electoral misconduct.

The seat was contested by the Jamaica Labour Party’s Dr Norman Dunn and the People's National Party’s Christopher Brown.

“Those comments, which were later uploaded to social media, caused the workers to feel intimidated and obstructed in the execution of their duties. The St Mary police remain committed to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that all electoral processes are conducted in a safe, fair, and orderly manner,” said Head of the St Mary Police Division, Anthony Wallace.

Following an investigation, Campbell was arrested and charged on Monday, October 13, at the Annotto Bay Police Station.

He was granted bail in the sum of $150,000 and is scheduled to appear before the parish court in Annotto Bay on Tuesday, October 28.

Brown was declared the winner of the seat following the final count, defeating then-incumbent Dunn by 19 votes.