The race for leadership is mainly between the ruling Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) and the main opposition People’s National Party (PNP). 

In this general election, the 18th since Universal Adult Suffrage – that was called six months ahead of the constitutionally due date, a total of 139 candidates have been nominated. 

According to the Electoral Office of Jamaica (EOJ) the JLP and PNP will contest all 63 constituencies, with 13 independent candidates contesting seats in several constituencies. 

In the last general election held in 2016, the JLP picked up 11 seats, bringing its tally to 32, for a narrow one-seat victory over the PNP. 

It later added two more seats through by-elections, with the tally now standing at 34 for the JLP and 29 for the PNP.

There are 1,913, 410 electors registered to vote in today’s election.

Meanwhile, the EOJ is reporting that all is in place for today’s proceedings. 

The polls are scheduled close at 5pm (local time), following which, the preliminary counting of ballots will take place inside the polling stations. 

According to the EOJ, electors who are in line at closing time, will be allowed to vote. 

The electoral body also reminded the public that the electronic voter identification system will be used in seven constituencies, they are  – St Catherine Eastern, St Andrew West Central, St Andrew South Eastern, St Andrew Eastern, Kingston Central, Kingston East and Port Royal, and St Andrew Western.

And security has been heightened across the country as thousands of personnel from the Jamaica Constabulary Force have been assigned to general election duties. 

According to the Corporate Communications Unit (CCU), of the police force, the police will be out in full force to maintain order, particularly over the next three days. 

The members of the police force cast their ballots on Monday – the day that was designated for members of special services to vote. 

CMC