St. George’s, Grenada — Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness has emphasized the need for political parties to operate as transparent, rules-based institutions, asserting their role as public entities demands accountability and adaptability.

Holness’s comments, delivered during a banquet celebrating the New National Party’s (NNP) 40th anniversary, come as the party grapples with internal turmoil ahead of its December 15 convention.

Speaking to party faithful and political leaders, Holness underscored the evolving expectations of political parties in modern democracies.

“There used to be a thought that the political party is the hidden hand behind democracy. It can’t be these days,” he said. “Political parties must be treated as formal, transparent institutions because they are effectively public bodies. The people who run these organizations must ensure that their actions are transparent, that they are rules-based, and that they serve the people.”

Holness’s remarks land against mounting criticism of NNP leader Dr. Keith Mitchell, who faces allegations of violating party rules to stymie Assistant General Secretary Peter David’s bid for leadership.

The controversy has sparked widespread debate about internal democracy within the NNP, with critics accusing Mitchell of using his influence to suppress dissent and maintain control.

The current turmoil within the NNP mirrors episodes from Mitchell’s rise to power in the late 1980s.

Then, a young politician, Mitchell, was accused of betrayal when he challenged the leadership of Herbert Blaize, the NNP’s founding leader, despite pledging loyalty.

Critics now see parallels in his alleged attempts to block David, a popular and influential party figure credited with orchestrating the NNP’s 2018 electoral landslide.

Mitchell’s recent establishment of a screening committee to vet leadership candidates has drawn sharp criticism, with many viewing it as a deliberate effort to sideline David.

Public comments by Mitchell, including warnings against individuals “hijacking” the party, are widely interpreted as aimed at undermining David’s candidacy.

These tactics have fueled accusations that Mitchell prioritizes personal ambition over party unity.

Holness’s call for transparency and adherence to rules adds weight to the demands for reform within the NNP.

However, he refrained from commenting directly on the party’s internal struggles.

“The political party must be capable of adapting and changing while at the same time maintaining its core principles,” Holness told attendees.

Former St .Lucia Prime Minister Allen Chastanet also attended the Banquet.