Jamaica’s Local Government Election: Preliminary Results Show Both Major Parties Claiming Victory

In the aftermath of Monday’s local government elections in Jamaica, both major political parties are claiming victory. Preliminary results released by the Electoral Office of Jamaica indicate that the ruling Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) has retained six of the island’s 14 municipal corporations, while the People’s National Party (PNP) has won four, with three ending in ties. Furthermore, incomplete vote counts show the JLP leading in 16 divisions and the PNP ahead in 14.

The highly contested Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) ended in a tie, with both parties securing 20 divisions each. However, the mayoral chair is expected to be decided in favour of the PNP, which won the popular vote.

At the time of publication, the results page of the Electoral Office of Jamaica indicated a tie of 4-4 in St. Thomas, with two divisions still undecided.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness, speaking at a late-night news conference at JLP headquarters in St. Andrew Monday night, asserted the party’s victory, stating that the JLP had retained 7 municipal corporations while the PNP had retained 4. Holness emphasized that definitive results from tied municipal corporations would likely be available by Wednesday.

Holness acknowledged the importance of the issues raised during the campaign, including the need for infrastructure development, good roads, water supply, and garbage collection, stating that the government would address these concerns.

Meanwhile, PNP President Mark Golding celebrated what he termed as a rare victory for the party, promising to continue the work and momentum. The official count of Monday’s results began today, with the Electoral Office of Jamaica expected to issue an update at 5 p.m.

The preliminary voter turnout stands at 29.6 per cent, according to reports from the Electoral Office of Jamaica.