Jamaicans are to go to the polls on December 29. Nomination Day will be Monday December 12.
Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) leader Prime Minister Andrew Holness made the announcement a short while ago at a mass meeting in Mandeville, Manchester. The announcement comes two weeks after Holness indicated at the JLP’s annual Conference that general elections would be held before year end. The prime minister strategically announced the date from the Manchester capital signalling the party’s confidence in its ability to sweep the four Manchester constituencies. The Opposition People’s National Party (PNP) has traditionally enjoyed strong support across Manchester, currently holding three of the four seats in the parish. However, the latest Gleaner-Bill Johnson polls show that the JLP has gained ground in the key Manchester Central constituency where the PNP’s incumbent Peter Bunting is being challenged by JLP newcomer Danville Walker. Yesterday, the PNP presented its 63 proposed candidates who will contest the next election. (The Gleaner)