CONSTITUTION

JAP thinks that the present constitution does not serve the best interest of the populace and country as it gives too much power to the government and lacks the necessary checks and balances. As such it will seek to draft a new constitution after extensive consultation with the public, private sector interest, nongovernmental organizations, religious organizations and the various political parties. All attempts will be made to reach a consensus with all the groups as much as it is possible.
Some of the major issues that will be considered are:
1. Term Limits for the Prime Minister.
2. Length of term for Prime Minister and other positions.
3. Fixed election date.
4. By-election dates to be set by the electoral commission within a fix timeframe.
5. MPs  and Councillors being a resident of the constituency they serve.
6  Election of Senators.
7. An executive leader of the country selected directly by the voters.
8. Ministers being picked from the public, followed by a public hearing and a vote by the parliament or senate.
9. Fixed set of Ministries with any new or variation being approved by a set majority of the parliament and senate.
10. The entrenchment of the local government system with adequate power and resources to deal with local issues.
11. Methods used in making appointments to public and school boards.
12. Limits on borrowing power of government.
13. Impeachment and removal of public officials to include MPs.
14. Immunity of officials.
15. Pardon powers
16. Cruel and unusual punishment
17. Bill of rights for citizens  
18. Searches and seizures powers
19. Right to a speedy trial
20. The Bail Act
21. Double jeopardy
22. Clarity of the constitution for easy understanding

JAP is of the firm belief that a new constitution would serve the better governance of the country. Among the changes we think that should be included are that  the Prime Minister should be limited to serve no more than two terms and that our general election cycle should be every four years instead of the present five and municipal elections should be every four years. There should also be a fixed election date which can only be varied with the approval of two thirds of the parliament. In the case of the need for a by-election, the date should be decided by the electoral commission for the earliest suitable time. Members of Parliament like Councillors should reside in the constituency which they represent. 
JAP supports the selection of senators by the voters. The change to a republican form of government will be a long term goal of JAP. Ministers of the government should be picked from the public and be subjected to questions and a vote. The constitution dictates that at least two senators and a maximum of four must be appointed as ministers. We have had every ministry, except finance which the constitution forbids, headed by a person whom has been picked at the sole discretion of the prime minister. There is no reason why all the ministers should not be picked from members of the public and be subjected to an approval process while the MPs be left to legislate and serve their constituents. The number and types of ministries should be fixed and any new ministry or variation being approved by a two thirds majority of the parliament and senate. The limits on the government ability to borrow and under what condition it is done will be stipulated in the constitution.
The local government system will be entrenched in the constitution with adequate power and resources to look about local issues. Local government will no longer be a pawn of central government. The method by which school boards and public boards are appointed will be decided as the running of these institution are of great importance in the governance of the country. Too often, these board positions are simply given to party faithfuls many of who have no training or experience in the field that they are serving. The impeachment and removal of public officials including MPs and Senators will be included. Persons having immunity and  under what condition that they will have this immunity will be decided. The power to pardon persons, by whom and under what conditions will be decided.
The rights of the prosecution to appeal both the verdict and sentences in criminal cases is supported by JAP. However, the government should cover the ‘defence’ cost in any such hearings. Consideration will be given,  if Double Jeopardy should be abolished and persons retried in any case where new irrefutable evidence  have come to light that strongly indicates the guilt of the defendant. Again the government would have to cover the defendant’s cost.
JAP believes that every person is entitled to the following rights and fundamental freedoms therefore a  bill of rights’  in the constitution will be develop to cover and protect them:
The right to life;
The right to equality, equal protection and equal benefit in law;
Human dignity;
Freedom and security;
Protection from slavery, servitude & forced labour;
Protection from cruel and unusual punishment;
Protection from unreasonable searches and seizures;
Freedom of conscience, religion, belief and opinion;
Freedom of expression;
Freedom of the media;
The right of access to information;
Freedom of association;
The right of assembly, demonstration, picketing and petition;
Political rights;
Consumer rights;
Freedom of movement and residence;
Protection of right to property;
Fair labour practices;
The right to a clean and healthy environment;
Right to economic and social rights (health, housing, food, water, social security & education)
Fair administrative action;
The right of access to bail;
The right of access to justice;
The right to a fair and speedy hearing or trial;