#JaVotes2025 | Slow but steady voting in Spanish Town

Two hours after voting began in Jamaica’s 2025 General Election, reports from several constituencies in the Spanish Town area indicated a slow but steady flow of electors at polling stations.

In St Catherine West Central, where Christopher Tufton is seeking a third term, voters turned out in steady numbers at the Green Acres Community Centre.

According to poll workers, the process has been smooth, with no incidents reported as electors arrived prepared with the required identification cards issued by the Electoral Office of Jamaica.

At the Ebonyvale Community Centre, the situation was similar.

Tufton is being challenged in the constituency by the People’s National Party’s (PNP) Locksley Francis and Colleen Ellison-Hall of the Jamaica Progressive Party (JPP).

Over in St Catherine Central, voter enthusiasm was evident at the Old Detention Centre building, where five polling divisions are housed. Sitting MP Olivia 'Babsy' Grange of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) is seeking to extend her firm hold on the seat. Her challenger, PNP candidate Remona Lewis, a local educator, also had visible support as her team made their presence felt.

In St Catherine South Central, where Andrew Wheatley is attempting to secure a fourth consecutive term, the turnout was described as “steady” by party representatives on the ground. His opponent, PNP candidate Kurt Matthews, is contesting the constituency for the second time, following his 2020 defeat. Lincoln Hall of the Jamaica Progressive Party (JPP) is also in this race.

“The voters are turning out not in droves but in a steady flow,” said one outdoor agent when asked by The Gleaner about voter turnout.

Meanwhile, in St Catherine Eastern, Denise Daley is hoping to retain the seat for a fourth time against JLP challenger Dwight Peccoo.

Election day workers at polling stations reported no incidents, describing the atmosphere as calm.

Election officials say voting across Spanish Town constituencies has so far been orderly, with expectations that the pace may increase as the day progresses.

- Ruddy Mathison

Follow The Gleaner on X and Instagram @JamaicaGleaner and on Facebook @GleanerJamaica. Send us a message on WhatsApp at 1-876-499-0169 or email us at onlinefeedback@gleanerjm.com or editors@gleanerjm.com.