Power 106FM Local Election News, Thursday December 6 - Update 11am
Written by JamaicaElections.comClick here to listen to Power 106FM…
Analysts on voter turnout…
Political analysts are attributing yesterday’s low voter turnout at the polls to the country’s high crime rate, and a historical disinterest in local elections.
Charlene Sharpe-Pryce said that many persons were still weary from the general elections, and in some instances traumatised by the incidents of crime.
Meanwhile, Gleaner columnist Martin Henry thought some persons had just lost faith in the local government process.
Parties assess performance
The Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) expressed disappointment at the loss of the Manchester and Hanover parish councils to the Opposition Peoples’ National Party (PNP) during yesterday’s election results.
However, Party Leader, Bruce Golding took the opportunity to reaffirm the party’s commitment to carrying out local government reform.
Meanwhile, PNP General Secretary, Donald Buchanan said his party performed creditably considering the closeness of the September 3 general elections.
Golding summons MPs
Prime Minister, Bruce Golding has summoned State Minister with responsibility for Local Government Bobby Montague and Junior Housing Minister, Everald Warmington to a meeting today.
It’s expected that the meeting will address certain controversial statements made by both men during the lead up to yesterday’s elections.
According to reports Mr. Montague told supporters at a rally in Portland on Monday night, that the roads in the Fellowship Division would not be repaired, if the JLP candidate was not elected as the councillor.
Mr. Montague’s comments came days after Mr. Warmington had instructed the Labour Minister to withhold hurricane recovery cheques until after the election.
The comments have led to criticism from the opposition. Director of Elections, Danville Walker also condemned the statements.