CLARENDON, Jamaica — Arthur Laing, an 87-year-old resident of Clarendon South West, is calling for a peaceful post-election process following Wednesday’s general election.

Laing, who was among several voters gathered at Toll Gate Primary and Infant School to cast his ballot, urged Jamaicans to accept the election outcome with civility and to avoid violence or hostility.

“I have a concern that I’m sure many others share — that the whole process will be as peaceful as possible, especially after the results are announced. I just hope we can develop mutual respect. We can agree to disagree amicably, showing full respect for the other person or party, without abuse or violence,” Laing said.

He recalled a time when political opponents campaigned peacefully and coexisted respectfully.

“When I was growing up in Kingston, the two parties would hold meetings simultaneously — one on Half Way Tree Road below the clock, and the other on Hope Road above the clock. People could walk from one to the other without any animosity, hostility, or negativity. I would like us to return to that level of civility, though I’m not sure if it can happen,” he reflected.

Laing also shared his strong personal connection to Jamaica and emphasised the importance of voting.

“I’m part of Jamaica, and Jamaica is part of me. Voting is a franchise, a right that I wanted to exercise,” he concluded.

The Jamaica Labour Party’s (JLP) candidate Robert Chin is going up against Lothan Cousins of the People’s National Party (PNP) and Dwayne Thomas of the Jamaica Progressive Party (JPP) for the Clarendon South Western seat.