The two major political parties will now have to gear up for a bi-election following Chief Justice Zaila McCalla's ruling against the Jamaica Labour Party Member of Parliament for the West Portland Constituency, Daryl Vaz in court this afternoon.

The protracted legal battle between Mr. Vaz and People's National Party candidate, Abe Dabdoub, came to an end a few hours ago after the court ruled that by virtue of his dual citizenship, Mr. Vaz is barred from holding a seat in the House of Representatives.

This means that the people of West Portland will be asked to return to the polls to select a new representative.

The two politicians have been battling in court since Mr. Vaz was elected Member of Parliament for West Portland last September.

Mr. Dabdoub, called on the High Court to remove Mr. Vaz as Member of Parliament on the basis of dual citizenship with the United States.

He contended that the constitution does not allow a person who has pledged an allegiance to another country to hold such a position.

Mr. Vaz had admitted that he does have citizenship with the United States, but explained that he had not pledged allegiance to the country but got it through his mother.

However evidence brought against Mr. Vaz stating that he has renewed his American passport on more than one occasion led the court to conclude that he has indeed pledged allegiance to that country, in contravention of the Jamaican Constitution
And responding quickly to the ruling, General Secretary of the Jamaica Labour Party, Karl Samuda, was confident that the JLP is fully prepared for a bi-election.

He noted that the party is now anticipating directive from its President on the matter.

He says the leadership of the party will be meeting to review the matter shortly.
Meanwhile, despite the courts ruling in favour of Abe Dabdoub, the People's National Party has expressed dissatisfaction with the outcome of the case.

The party says it will be appealing the ruling by Chief Justice, Zaila McCalla; expressing disappointment that Mr. Dabdoub was not automatically awarded the seat.

A release issued by General Secretary of the PNP, Peter Bunting, informed that Mr. Dabdoub has been granted a Stay of Execution for 42 days, which prevents the holding of a bi-election until after that period.

Mr. Dabdoub asserted that he intends to appeal the ruling on the basis that the Chief Justice has made a mistake in assessing the effect of the notice and its meaning in law.

The PNP says it feels justified in the decision to appeal the courts ruling, maintaining that their actions are geared towards upholding the Constitution.