MANCHESTER, Jamaica— Against the backdrop of Saturday’s political standoff over the placing of flags in the Manchester North East community of Fine Grass,  police on Thursday met with politicians to strategise a violence-free election campaign.

READ: WATCH: Man shot by police in Manchester, victim’s relative says political stand-off triggered incident

Acting Operations Officer for Manchester, Inspector Valdin Amos said the meeting was fruitful.

“We met with the candidate aspirants and also Members of Parliament from the Manchester parish and the reason for that meeting is that we are now in the so called silly season and we’ll have the different violations. The law and public order problems and congestion as it relates to the roadways we have to bring them in state our concern and have them commit to protecting the people who use our thoroughfares and committing to encouraging their supporters to act in a manner that conforms with law and order,” he told business leaders at the Manchester Chamber of Commerce’s monthly meeting on Thursday evening.

Politicians and police meeting in Mandeville on Thursday.

“So going into these elections we hope that we will have a fair election, but more so without any acts of violence, crime and so forth,” he added.

He said Manchester continues to see a decrease in major crimes.

“If you listen to the news you will see and hear everyone boasting about the reduction in major crimes and how peaceful communities are,” he said.

— Kasey Williams