Jamaica’s local government election, held yesterday, has stirred a political whirlwind as both major parties, the ruling Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) and the opposition People’s National Party (PNP), assert triumph at the overdue polls. 

Despite a lackluster voter turnout of 29.6%, the political fervour remains high, with each party eager to stake their claim on victory.

In the aftermath of the election, both the JLP and the PNP have fervently declared themselves as victors, intensifying the post-election atmosphere. 

Addressing the media at the JLP headquarters in New Kingston late last night, Prime Minister Andrew Holness declared: “The JLP has definitively won the elections, no question!”

“We hold 7 municipalities,” he added with certainty.

Opposition Leader and PNP President Mark Golding, in his address after the preliminary count of votes late last night, asserted: “Him neva wah call it  [the local elections], you know why him neva wah call it?  Seet deh!” As he pointed to the animated crowd of PNP supporters at the party headquarters on Old Hope Road.

Followers from both camps have taken to social media and the streets, championing their respective parties’ alleged triumphs.

The elections watchdog indicated that at 9:57 p.m. last night, 6,556 boxes were counted, representing 97.5 per cent of the total 6,726 boxes.

The reported voter turnout, which is just below that for the last local government election in 2016, highlights a concerning trend of voter apathy. Despite efforts to encourage participation, the turnout fell below expectations, reflecting a growing disengagement with the electoral process.

The conflicting claims of victory have added fuel to an already charged political landscape.

The ECJ has yet to officially confirm the election results, further prolonging the uncertainty. The official count of the ballots is expected to be underway now.

In the wake of the elections, discussions regarding voter engagement and political polarization have gained traction. Calls for electoral reforms and initiatives to bolster civic participation are expected to take centre stage in the coming days in anticipation of the general election, which is constitutionally due next year.

As Jamaica navigates the aftermath of its local elections, the nation finds itself at a crossroads, grappling with questions of political legitimacy and citizen participation in the democratic process.