MANCHESTER, Jamaica — Voting has been progressing smoothly at New Green Primary School in Manchester North Western where scores of electors are continuously turning up to cast their ballot.

Councillor Andrew Smith (People’s National Party, New Green Division), who is leading the PNP’s mobilisation in the area in support of the incumbent Mikael Phillips, said he had to direct traffic to clear the road near the polling station.

“We have bumper-to-bumper traffic. Persons turned out. One of the higher voter turnout for this election, so persons are exercising their franchise to choose whoever they want to lead them for the future, but time come and we are doing fine so far — peaceful incident-free,” he said.

Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) aspirant for the New Green Division Hesroy Dwyer was also optimistic as he predicted victory for the JLP’s Damion Young.

“So far so good, it has been a pretty fast day, but nevertheless we are thanking God that the rain didn’t come, but I am optimistic that Mr Young will pull through at this time,” said Dwyer.

Phillips won the constituency with 5,617 votes in the 2020 General Election. This is the second time that Phillips is being challenged by Young, who received 4,885 votes in the 2020 election.

— Kasey Williams