Prime Minister Holness is justifying his decision to call a by-election in South East Clarendon.

Prime Minister Holness notes that in 2007 the PNP acted similarly in North East St. Ann.

The South East Clarendon seat was made vacant recently by the resignation of Member of Parliament Rudyard  Spencer.

A by-election has been called for March to fill the vacancy.

This raised eyebrows from the Opposition PNP and members of the public due to the anticipation of a General Election to be held sometime this year.

The Prime Minister says with the retirement of two MPs and the unfortunate death of two others, by-elections were called in a relatively short time.