KINGSTON, Jamaica – 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.

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. (Jamaica Gleaner)