We observe and assess, says JLP campaign committee chair on opinion polls

Chairman of the Jamaica Labour Party’s (JLP) campaign committee Dr Christopher Tufton says the party has acknowledged “some similarities” between internal polls and public opinion polls but holds “alternative” views in other areas.

Tufton, who was speaking at a JLP media briefing Thursday afternoon, said while the party has shied away from speaking on public polls, it is not its position to criticise or “attack” them.

“We observe. We assess. We listen and then determine how we position ourselves in terms of our response, our feedback, and indeed our policies and programmes. We observe what is done independently of us and we conduct our own internally because it is important for us to recognise a sense of direction and the public’s perception of our direction,” said Tufton.

His comment comes days after Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness told journalists on Nomination Day on Monday that he does not rely on polls conducted by veteran pollster Don Anderson and would not advise anyone to do so because they are not accurate.

Holness was commenting after the release of the favourability ratings from the RJRGLEANER-commissioned Don Anderson poll of himself and Opposition Leader Mark Golding.

Early Thursday, The Gleaner released the parties’ standings, which show both the JLP and the People’s National Party in a statistical dead heat ahead of the September 3 election.

Tufton said based on all the public opinion polls seen and those conducted internally, the JLP is comfortable that it has the momentum going into the general election.

He said it’s a comfortable position to be in, but not a reason to be complacent.

“It’s not a reason to become arrogant. It’s not a reason to feel as some may be tempted to do that somehow it is over. That’s not our position at all. Our position is that we will continue to work harder for the support of the Jamaican people in order to secure a third term,” he said.

He said that while the polls offer some insights, the JLP has formed its own insights based on internal ones.

“We believe that there are some similarities in some areas, and in other areas we have alternative views. But we’re comfortable and confident in our approach, in our strategy and we will continue to pursue that approach and strategy going forward,” said Tufton.

- Kimone Francis

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