AN upbeat general secretary of the ruling Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) Aundre Franklin yesterday rolled out his green carpet of candidates, saying that the 63 represent the best option, politically, for Jamaica at this time.

With the seat count moving up by three from the 60 which were contested in the last poll, Franklin told journalists at a news conference at the party’s Belmont Road headquarters in St Andrew, that not only will the JLP win the newly created seats, but the party’s majority in the House of Representatives would also rise.

“The three news seats belong to the JLP, full stop. We have toiled long and hard. We have been very accommodative of concerns. Some persons have chosen to voice those concerns in a very strong manner, we have listened and we have made our determination. It is this listing that makes us ready at this point,” Franklin said.

Franklin confirmed earlier reports that there would be changes to the party’s slate of candidates, by clarifying the last ‘grey area’ of uncertainty that incumbent Member of Parliament for South East Mary Tarn Peralto would be replaced by Port Maria’s mayor and councillor for the Richmond division in the St Mary Parish Council, Richard Creary.

Creary is the brother of Don Creary, who ran before, unsuccessfully, in the seat for the JLP.

Franklin did not elaborate on the reason for dropping Peralto, but it is widely felt that Peralto did not satisfy the party with the volume and quality of work that he did over the last four years.

Among the main concerns for some of the people in his constituency is the non-repair of the Westmoreland Bridge, which links several communities and which has been down since 2007.

The JLP will also go along with the embattled MP for North East St Catherine, Desmond Gregory Mair, despite fierce opposition to him from some party supporters.

The party will field 13 women, the most by a political organisation in any election. So far, the PNP has declared four female candidates.

“The party will be fielding in all 20 new candidates, four of these hold the title of mayor. In all, 11 councillors that have been trained, groomed and promoted will be representing the JLP in its slate of 63 candidates,” Franklin said.

Franklin said in response to an Observer question that privately conducted polls had played a role in determining how fit some candidates were.

“Polling is a tool that we accept within the party as a means of assisting in our determination and aid and guide and protect us as we go along. Polling has played a role and for the most part we are guided by other scientific research methods,” Franklin said.

The general secretary said that it would be better for the country if there were a high voter turnout, as the more persons who choose to exercise their rights, the better it would be for the country.

“I believe that as much persons as possible who vote is better for the JLP… better for any government. More Jamaicans need to vote,” he said.

Traditionally, though, a high voter turnout does not usually suit a ruling party in a close election.

The JLP’s all-island general council, or annual conference, will be held on Sunday, November 20, with prime minister and JLP leader-designate Andrew Holness set to deliver the main address.

The police force will be responsible for security at the National Arena where the conference will be held.

The general meeting of the central executive will be held a week later when chairman, a deputy chairman, general secretary, four deputy general secretaries, treasurer, a deputy treasurer and five trustees will be elected.

The party said that a voter’s guide was almost completed and that they would likely put out a manifesto, adding that a training guide for election day workers was also ready.

“The JLP, as a brand, as an organisation, is far, far ahead of the PNP. In order to ensure that we have a comfortable victory, certain changes have been made,” Franklin said.

Among the other candidates confirmed to run is James Robertson, the fiery MP for St Thomas West, whose United States visitor’s visa was revoked by the US Government in April for unclear reasons.

Robertson resigned as minister of energy and mining, but vowed to stay on as MP.

Franklin admitted that it was tough to deal with the Robertson matter, as there were voices which disapproved of him running again.

“It has been a challenge. We also have to bear in mind that the reality is that there is nothing that I am aware of in Jamaica or overseas as it relates to Mr Robertson that he should be prevented as a representative for the people to choose. It is unfortunate that his visa has been taken away.”

As to whether or not persons objected to Robertson, Franklin said:

“I would imagine so, but also you have to bear in mind that he alone was nominated for the post of deputy leader for his area, so persons who wanted an option to James Robertson’s leadership had the opportunity to so demonstrate and he was nominated solely for Area Council Two as the deputy leader,” Franklin said.

As for the date of the general election, Franklin hinted that the Jamaicans would be given the chance to make their marks “soon.

“For persons who think of a far date, I don’t think its that far,” was all that Franklin would offer.