JLP, PNP hail successful nomination of candidates in all 63 constituencies

The ruling Jamaica Labour Party(JLP) and main opposition People’s National Party (PNP) on Monday nominated 126 candidates between them for the September 3 general election, with both parties touting high energy crowds and good order for the day’s proceedings.

According to Tom Tavares-Finson one of the JLP’s two representatives on the Electoral Commission of Jamaica (ECJ), it was a good day for the party.

“Today was a very good day for the JLP and for the party's secretariat. All 63 of the party's parliamentary candidates were nominated on time and in good order without incident. Likewise the three councillor candidates who are running for council divisions,” Tavares-Finson said.

“So it was a very good day for us, unprecedented in terms of the amount of persons who have nominated across the island and we are looking forward to the election on the third. From the party's point of view, the turnout in all 63 constituencies was high energy, many persons out, looking at some of the tapes I can see a lot of new faces, a lot of young persons participating in the process and it's a good sign, it augurs well for the democracy in Jamaica,” said Tavares-Finson.

The PNP in a release said it completed the nomination of all its candidates. In a release shortly after the close of nomination, PNP president Mark J Golding said the day was a powerful demonstration of the party’s readiness. “Today we confirmed a full slate of outstanding candidates, men and women of integrity, vision, and commitment to service.

They represent the very best of our movement. The PNP is united, energised, and determined to deliver a government that prioritises fairness, opportunity, and dignity for every Jamaican…,” Golding was quoted saying.

According to the party, it made the nominations with “energy, confidence, and the full backing of the people” and the PNP is now “firmly set to contest the upcoming general election and to deliver a government that will put the Jamaican people first.”

The party’s general secretary Dr Dayton Campbell, said there were challenges in a few constituencies, but it was generally a smooth process. Tension arose after supporters of the PNP accused Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) supporters in St Elizabeth North Western of failing to clear the nomination zone in a reasonable time. That constituency is represented by Floyd Green, and has always voted with the party that forms the government. Miranda Wellington, is the PNP’s candidate in the constituency.

“Today’s nominations mark the beginning of the final leg of our journey toward victory. Every single PNP candidate was successfully nominated, and we stand united, ready, and committed to building a fairer, more just Jamaica under the leadership of Mark J Golding,” Campbell stated in the release.

According to the release, the day’s “proceedings were filled with vibrant, peaceful demonstrations of support from thousands of Comrades across the country, reflecting the growing momentum and energy of the PNP.” It said several candidates shared their messages of commitment to their constituencies and to Jamaica’s future.

The party said it plans to intensify its outreach, by sharing the plans outlined in its manifesto which was launched last week.

- Erica Virtue

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