ST JAMES, Jamaica — A confident Marlene Malahoo Forte, the Jamaica Labour Party’s candidate for St James West Central, cast her vote at Howard Cooke Primary School just before 8:00 am today.

“I believe everybody has a purpose and this is my purpose. When you walk in purpose, you have no fear,” she told reporters after exercising her democratic right to cast her ballot.

The incumbent used the opportunity to greet voters as she exited the polling station.

She goes up against Dr Andre Haughton of the People’s National Party (PNP) and he is also optimistic.

“It’s been long lines so far and it shows that people are eager to vote,” he declared.

Haughton will cast his vote in Mount Salem at 10:00 am.