Election day went well, say cops

Despite a number of incidents scattered across the country, the police say yesterday's general election was conducted in a mostly peaceful atmosphere.

Shortly after the polls closed, Assistant Commissioner of Police Wray Palmer said there was one shooting incident in Southboro, St Catherine and a number of arrests for other offences across the 14 parishes.

"I thought that the day went well. The police presence was everywhere, we deployed at all polling stations," said Palmer, the Jamaica Constabulary Force's (JCF) point man on electoral matters.

He said one man was arrested in connection with the Southboro shooting incident, which occurred early yesterday morning. No one was injured.

Palmer said several persons were also arrested for using indecent language and impersonating an elector.

In addition, he said several incidents of voter intimidation were reported throughout the day, most of which the police managed to quash on the spot.

However, he said some of those incidents would be pursued by the police.

Palmer also told The Gleaner that plans were in place to secure all ballot boxes overnight and that the police would maintain a strong presence in several areas in the days ahead.

livern.barrett@gleanerjm.com