MANCHESTER, Jamaica — People’s National Party’s candidate for the Bellefield Division in Manchester Central Mario Mitchell says voter turnout has been “high” up to midmorning.

Mitchell, who is seeking a second term as councillor for the Bellefield Division, said his team’s organisation is robust for Monday’s local government election.

“We have a very oiled machinery. We have all our workers in place. We have even a lot of persons even volunteers, who are coming in to give their time and support based off the job that I did. We are very confident of victory… The voter turnout has been high thus far,” he said on Monday.

Mitchell is being challenged by the JLP’s Shaneil Dixon. Mitchell in the November 2016 election polled 1,566 over the JLP’s then candidate Ian Hibbert’s 673.

He scoffed at Prime Minister Andrew Holness’ recent campaigns in the Bellefield Division.

“People don’t stone fluxy mango. The prime minister has been in this division twice and that will not help. I can tell you that we plan to increase our margins today,” he said.

“The Bellefield Division is one that has always been a strong support for the People’s National Party. I am also a resident of this community. I was born and raised here, so I feel that the people and I are family,” added Mitchell.

Bellefield, considered as a stronghold of the Opposition People’s National Party (PNP), is being closely watched.

“The prime minister travels with a very large entourage and as you know wherever he goes he brings a large crowd with him also. Those weren’t people from Bellefield, those were people coming in behind the prime minister. When our party leader (Mark Golding) came this week this was a natural crowd waiting on him compared to what the JLP had done in trying to bring persons in,” Mitchell claimed.

“They have brought the prime minister twice; that will not be able to help them. The people have always known that I have always worked for them and performed to the best of my ability and I have the achievements to stand on,” added Mitchell.

– Kasey Williams