Jamaica is in the final stretch towards its September 3rd General Election, with significant developments emerging from both the Electoral Office of Jamaica (EOJ) and the nation’s leading political parties. The EOJ has reported a 57% turnout among special services voters who cast their ballots on Friday, while People’s National Party (PNP) President Mark Golding has urged his supporters to maintain focus, amidst accusations of false claims leveled against him by the governing Jamaica Labour Party (JLP).
Special Services Voting Sees Solid Turnout
The Electoral Office of Jamaica announced that 57% of eligible special services personnel participated in early voting on Friday. A total of 25,938 individuals from this group, which includes police officers, military personnel, and Election Day workers, cast their ballots out of 45,455 eligible electors. This turnout is a marginal increase compared to the 56% recorded in the 2020 General Election and slightly lower than the 63% seen in 2016.
The ballots cast by special services voters have been placed in envelopes designated for their respective constituencies and electoral divisions. These envelopes were sorted after polls closed on Friday and will remain sealed until Election Day, when they will be counted alongside the ballots cast by the general electorate. The EOJ has confirmed that while the number of ballots received is known, the specific vote count for individual candidates will not be disclosed until the official counting process begins on September 3rd.
PNP President Urges Supporters to Stay Focused
In the midst of an increasingly heated election campaign, PNP President Mark Golding addressed party supporters, emphasizing the need for unwavering focus and the avoidance of complacency. Speaking in St. Mary, Golding declared that “the winds of change are blowing over the land,” signifying the PNP’s perceived momentum. However, he cautioned that overconfidence could hinder their electoral prospects, urging his base to remain vigilant against misinformation circulating on social media.
Golding highlighted the importance of mobilizing voters on Election Day, particularly targeting victory in key constituencies within Portmore. He stressed that while the party is confident, the mission requires continued effort and dedication from all supporters to ensure success.
JLP Accuses Golding of False Claims in Leadership Debate
The political discourse has been further intensified by accusations from the ruling Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) against PNP President Mark Golding. The JLP has claimed that Golding made several “false and misleading statements” during the final leadership debate held on Thursday night between him and JLP leader, Prime Minister Andrew Holness. Specifically, the JLP has refuted claims attributed to Golding concerning Prime Minister Holness’s financial dealings, including allegations about bank accounts and involvement with investment schemes. The JLP also criticized Golding for his remarks on salary increases, labeling his conduct as “deceptive and hypocritical” for accepting his own increase while critiquing the government’s proposal.
A Tight Race as Election Day Approaches
With just days remaining until Jamaicans head to the polls, the political landscape remains highly competitive. Polls indicate a close contest between the JLP and the PNP, with voter turnout historically being a significant factor in determining election outcomes. Both parties are engaged in vigorous campaigning, seeking to energize their bases and persuade undecided voters. The nation watches as the final campaign push unfolds, with the EOJ’s operational readiness for the special services vote underscoring the imminent approach of this pivotal General Election.