KINGSTON, Jamaica — Executive Director of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) Senator Delroy Williams, in a thank you message to the electorate for their “confidence” in his party, this morning expressed concern about the low voter-turnout in Monday’s Parish Council Elections.

Williams, who convincingly won his Seivwright Gardens Division, said he had no doubt that the people of Jamaica were better informed based on the campaign the JLP ran and the accessibility of the candidates.

“It is then no surprise that they wisely elected responsible stewards of the parish councils,” he added.

However, Williams said he is concerned about the low voter turn-out, saying it has been a trend for the last two local government elections. He suggested that public education and interaction will significantly help.

He noted low turnout is not only a Jamaican phenomenon but a regional one.

According to the news release, in 2007 there was a 38 per cent voter turnout and 35 per cent of voters participated in 2012 parish council elections. The Electoral Office of Jamaica has reported a 30 per cent voter turnout on Monday.

 The JLP has vowed to manage the parish councils and educate the public on its functions in a way that will foster greater involvement from the wider populous.

Meanwhile, Williams said he is motivated by the involvement of youth in this election and affirmed that this played a big role in the victory of the JLP.

He noted that several of the first time councillors are from the Generation 2000 arm of the party who were victorious in their divisions.