After 18 years in the political wilderness, the center-right Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) recaptured political control in Jamaica from the center-left People’s National Party (PNP) by an extremely narrow margin in the September 3 general election. According to Jamaica’s Electoral Office, the JLP won 50.1 percent of the popular vote and 33 of the 60 seats in parliament ousting the PNP.
Contesting the Election
The PNP, while conceding the “preliminary” results of the election has accounted in the past two days that the election process is far from over. The PNP’s Portia Simpson Miller, Jamaica’s first woman prime minister, alleged that the poll had been marred by irregularities such as illegal campaigning and “vote buying.” Additionally, PNP General Secretary Donald Buchanan, has recently noted that issues have arisen that give way to recounts in at least three regions that the PNP lost – North Clarendon (by 266 votes), South East St. Mary (by 34 votes), and Eastern Hanover (by 9 votes). In two of those three locations the PNP candidate was declared a winner but those results were overturned after a subsequent recount.
Additionally, the PNP is legally contesting two JLP MP-elects that are foreign-born and hence, do not qualify to sit in Parliament. Still, PNP leadership, for now has conceded the election and will begin to develop their new position as political minority in the Parliament stating that they believe a loyal opposition plays an important role in Jamaican politics.
JLP – A New Hope
Jamaica’s two main parties do not differ considerably in ideology. Therefore the election was won mostly because the PNP over the past 18 years has failed to significantly combat Jamaica’s deep-seated poverty, 11 percent unemployment, and a murder rate that accounted for over 25 killings per week in 2006. Moreover, the PNP was hit hard by corruption and “garrison constituencies” loyal to the opposition JLP over the past decades were greatly neglected.
Much has improved since the 1970s and 1980s, when gun battles occurred frequently between the parties, however, a preference to communities loyal to the ruling PNP party has always been apparent. While neighborhoods faithful to the PNP saw their streets paved, buildings painted, as well as an influx of jobs, communities loyal to the minority party suffered.
Golding as Prime Minister
Bruce Golding, the leader of the JLP, will be the next prime minister after a swearing in ceremony on September 11, 2007. Golding has previously been a passionate advocate for the poor, and has brought new hope to many communities that have languished over the past decades. Golding intends to concentrate on improving basic services — fighting crime, cleaning and repairing streets. Additionally, he campaigned on abolishing school fees and user charges in public hospitals. His administration will also begin tackling Jamaica’s large national debt—a main reason why Jamaica’s economy has remained stagnant. Golding also advocates implementing a cross-party consensus by necessitating a two-thirds majority for governmental appointments.
A Long, Hard Road
While much hope comes from the JLP’s victory, there are still many obstacles for the winning party, not the least of which is that it may be hard to govern with such a slight majority in parliament. Moreover, Golding will be watched with a very close eye to see if he can bring about the differences he promised throughout his campaign.
Currently, economic growth is stalled, the murder rate is one of the world’s worst, and corruption is widespread in Jamaican politics. While removing the PNP from power is seemingly a step in the right direction for Jamaica, the newly elected administration will have much to prove in the coming years.
