The 1980 general election, one of the bloodiest in Jamaica’s history, was overshadowed by an unprecedented wave of political violence. Armed clashes between rival supporters erupted across the island in the months leading up to the October 30 polls, claiming dozens of lives. Despite a peace pact signed by Michael Manley and Edward Seaga, the violence intensified after Nomination Day on October 15. Guns were used on a scale never seen before, and entire communities were gripped by fear. On Election Day, however, heavy police and military presence brought a measure of calm, allowing nearly 80 per cent of voters to cast their ballots in relative safety.

Published Friday, October 31, 1980

Massive 80 per cent Turnout of Voters in the General Election

JLP Wins in Landslide
Could Win 50 Seats
10 Ministers Defeated

Confirming pre-election predictions that it would win the 1980 General Election by a wide margin, the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) swept to power yesterday.
At press time last night, with the preliminary count not completed, indications were that the JLP would win by a landslide. Of the 60 seats in the House of Representatives, the JLP had won 20 and was leading in 20 — pointing to a final count of approximately 50 seats.
This would represent the JLP’s biggest victory since 1944, when it won 22 seats to the People’s National Party’s (PNP) five in the smaller House.
Aided by a massive turnout of voters — unofficially estimated at 80 per cent, a record for local elections — the JLP, led by Edward Seaga, was a runaway winner. The party established an early lead and never looked back.
Ten former ministers have so far lost their seats: P. J. Patterson (Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs), Hugh Small (Minister of Finance), Howard Cooke (Minister of the Public Service), Carlyle Dunkley (Minister of Public Utilities), Derrick Heaven (Minister of Industry and Commerce), Arnold Bertram (Minister of State, Prime Minister’s Office) Sydney Pagon (Minister of State, Local Government), Winston Jones (Minister of State, Foreign Affairs), Ruddy Lawson (Minister of State, Local Government), and Desmond Leakey (Minister of State, Agriculture).

JLP Makes History

Small’s defeat made history, marking the first time the traditional PNP seat of East Kingston was lost by the party.
Notable JLP winners included Allan Isaacs, a former PNP minister who changed parties after 1972 and was the second-oldest candidate; Edwin Allen (Northwest Clarendon), the oldest, who has been more in Parliament than out since 1949; and Joan Gordon, who won the fateful East Rural St Andrew seat formerly held by the late Roy McGann.
Despite a late surge during the counting of votes, the PNP — led by Michael Manley — managed to win only eight seats and was leading in two. This marked a reversal of fortunes for the party, which had governed for two terms since 1972.
Both party leaders won their constituencies. Seaga, Leader of the Opposition in the previous Parliament, retained West Kingston by a wide margin, polling 9,238 votes to his PNP opponent’s 613. Manley, however, had to fight to hold on to East Central Kingston, polling 6,753 votes to 5,476 for his JLP challenger.
Described by political observers as the most crucial election in Jamaica’s contemporary history, the 1980 poll concluded a campaign marked by two defining features, its extraordinary length and the unprecedented level of violence.
Although Manley officially announced the election date, October 30, on October 5, the country had been on “election alert” since February, when he signaled his government’s willingness to cut short its five-year term.
It was agreed across the political divide that no previous Jamaican election had been fought with such ferocity. Guns were used on a scale never seen before, and political deaths reached record levels.
Appeals for peace from church and civic leaders, and a peace pact between Manley and Seaga, failed to stem the violence, which escalated after Nomination Day, October 15.
There was, however, a significant reduction in violence on Election Day. The security forces blanketed the island with police and soldiers, ensuring that Jamaica’s 990,367 registered electors could vote safely at the 5,477 polling stations across the island.
Despite minor hitches — such as late openings and missing materials — voting proceeded relatively smoothly. Voters responded to calls to vote early, and by mid-afternoon, most ballots had been cast.
A total of 127 candidates contested the election: 60 each from the JLP and PNP, and seven independents, all of whom lost.
Starting with a Prayer
Prime Minister-elect Edward Seaga left Tivoli Gardens about 8:30 last night, already aware of the JLP’s massive victory. His first act was to return home to change before heading to party headquarters for celebrations.
Upon arrival, he requested that his rector, Rev. Herman Spence of St Andrew Parish Church, be contacted. Rev. Spence visited Seaga’s home, where they prayed together with his family, a solemn beginning to his new role.
He then proceeded to the JLP headquarters to celebrate with supporters.
Overwhelming Mandate — Seaga
Describing the victory as “an overwhelming mandate by the people of Jamaica” Seaga said it would enable his government to implement the policies necessary to restore the economy.
He named two key priorities: restoring economic buoyancy, which he warned could take at least three years, and public integrity.
“For too long,” he said, “Jamaicans have been deprived of human rights and divided into two categories, those who supported the government in power and those who did not.”
He pledged to restore equal rights and justice, uniting the nation under fair governance.
Seaga assured that no PNP member should fear the JLP’s victory, as the new government intended to bring “all parts of Jamaica” into the mainstream of public life.
“The JLP has no plans to close airports or persecute anyone,” he said, “But, there are wrongdoers, and it is incumbent on the overnment to bring these to light.”
On foreign policy, he said Jamaica would maintain non-alignment, declaring, “We are not one of those non-aligned countries tied to the coattails of any superpower.”
He also expressed displeasure with the conduct of Cuban Ambassador Ulises Estrada, announcing his intention to declare him persona non grata upon being sworn in, a declaration met with loud approval.
Joined by Mrs. Seaga and their daughter, Seaga told jubilant supporters that the JLP’s victory was “the voice of the people speaking against Communism”.
Arriving at the Belmont Road headquarters around 9:20 p.m., he was met by thousands of supporters. Having defeated his opponent Chadderton Ward by more than 8,000 votes, he addressed his Tivoli Gardens constituents, thanking them and warning against any post-election unrest.
Among the crowd were victorious candidates Mr. Webley and Dr. Mavis Gilmour, as well as defeated candidates Ivan Moore and Ryan Peralto.
Seaga thanked his team and promised that they would work tirelessly to rebuild what he described as a “battle-torn, war-destroyed economy” and restore prosperity and stability to the Jamaican people.

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