Jamaicans head to polls for election as ruling party faces corruption concerns

Polls point to ‘very close election’ between the Jamaica Labourparty and the opposition People’s National party

Jamaicans head to the polls on Wednesday for a closely fought general election which has been overshadowed by an investigation into potential corruption in the ruling Jamaica Labour party (JLP) which is seeking a third term in office.

The latest local poll put the opposition People’s National party (PNP) 3.1% lead over the JLP, but political analyst Damion Gordon cautioned that the lead was barely larger than the margin of error.

“It is going to be a very close election,” he said.

While the JLP is leaning on their track record of reducing crime and debt and growing the economy, the PNP has pitched itself as a party that will restore trust in leadership to rid the country of corruption and focus on critical public services such as infrastructure, water supply and hospital facilities.