ST ANN, Jamaica – Matthew Samuda, the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) candidate for the St Ann North Eastern seat, says the low voter turnout so far in the constituency’s by-election on Monday was expected given the non-participation of the Opposition People’s National Party (PNP).

WATCH: Slow start to voting in St Ann North East by-elections

He said, however, that most of the voters have been his supporters.

“Things are progressing smoothly but slowly. Ultimately the voters that are turning out are our voters. Not having a declared PNP candidate would obviously reduce some of the enthusiasm for the process,” Samuda told Observer Online, adding “Generally, if you look at the history of by-elections, 10 to 15 per cent turnout with the PNP not being visibly active is a reasonable expectation.”

Samuda is looking to retain the seat for the JLP against two opponents, David “Five Pound” Anderson, a former PNP caretaker who was nominated as an independent candidate, and the United Independents’ Congress’s Chase Neil.

The by-election was announced following the resignation of Marsha Smith, who endured a turbulent relationship with her supporters over the years.

In an immediate response to the announcement of the by-election, the PNP said it would not contest the polls, which it described as “striking and unprecedented”.

All 146 polling stations in the St Ann North East by-elections were opened by 7:05 am, according to Director of Elections Glasspole Brown said.

The large constituency, which includes 40,836 registered electors, is supported by approximately 600 workers.