BUFF BAY, Portland — Representatives of the two major political parties were seen hustling to get voters to polling stations just after 3:00 pm yesterday as low voter turnout was the hallmark of the Local Government Elections in West Portland.

The morning session was slow and early afternoon showers in the Buff Bay Valley made the situation worse. Rain in the vicinity of Tranquility and Avacot cooled the morning heat and when it eased party vehicles were seen stopping at homes, the occupants calling and encouraging supporters to come out and vote.

Avacot, where a Jamaica Labour Party supporter died in the run-up to the December 29, 2011 General Elections, was quiet, as party workers said “there is no excitement here this time”.

Kildare, Charles Town, Tranquility, and Cascade also saw low voter turnout.

The Balcarees Division was interestingly poised as both candidates — the Jamaica Labour Party’s Sonia Bailey and People’s National Party’s Hopeton Molloy — are both newcomers and from the community.

Police and army personnel were seen in Buff Bay and Charles Town keeping a close eye on the proceedings.