People’s National Party (PNP) General Secretary Dayton Campbell outlined a series of deeply troubling incidents reported in the wake of the September 3 General Election, highlighting a “coordinated campaign of intimidation” designed to undermine democratic outcomes.

Campbell, who was speaking at a post-election press briefing on Thursday, September 11, cited aggression, vandalism, and threats directed at PNP supporters, infrastructure, and even candidates, particularly in constituencies where the party made critical gains.

“We do have some other concerns of acts of intimidation, aggression, and vandalism that would have taken place since the elections have been concluded,” Campbell stated.

Allegations Across Multiple Constituencies

Among the most alarming cases, Campbell highlighted reports from South St James, where community members were allegedly threatened over essential utilities.

“In South St James, the Anchovy Division, persons have been making threats about removing the water pumps, and I think they even made reference to using dynamites… to destroy the infrastructure,” he revealed.

He also pointed to Eastern Portland, where a new PNP MP has reportedly come under pressure.

“We have seen videos as well, and heard voice notes… that resources would be limited to the newly elected Member of Parliament, Isat Buchanan,” said Campbell.

Campbell reported that vandalism was also reported in South East St Mary, where public infrastructure—including a community centre—was allegedly targeted and dismantled.

There was also an alleged incident in South Clarendon, where direct threats were made against a PNP candidate.

“Probably the most concerning of them all is in South Trelawny, where a team from the Labour Party led by persons in leadership went to the house, the accommodation of our candidate, Paul Patmore, to threaten him,” Campbell continued.

Call for Political Maturity

Campbell framed the incidents as an affront to Jamaica’s democratic values and called on the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) leadership to take immediate steps to rein in their supporters.

“We believe that these things are intended to intimidate and weaken the democratic process… we are calling on the members of the Labour Party, the leadership, to rein in their supporters,” Campbell urged
“We do believe in a democratic process, and we have to accept the outcome.”

He expressed dismay at what he described as selective acceptance of the results by the JLP, particularly in the closely-watched race in East Portland.

“It can’t be that they accept it at the national level, but at the constituency level, they are reluctant to accept that Isat Buchanan did defeat Ann-Marie Vaz in a free and fair election,” he stated.

He called for Buchanaa to be treated with the respect and legitimacy due to his office as the duly elected Member of Parliament.

Return to Normalcy Urged

Looking ahead, Campbell encouraged candidates from both parties to begin the process of de-escalation by removing campaign paraphernalia and signs, which still line some communities.

“We also want to encourage our candidates… to remove the paraphernalia that was put up during the time of campaigning,” he said. “Some of our candidates will not have much to do because their opponents already removed them before the elections.”

He noted that municipal corporations will assist in the clean-up effort.