KINGSTON, Jamaica — There is an early crush of voters in sections of Kingston Central where the Jamaica Labour Party’s (JLP’s) Donavon Williams is trying to hang on to the seat in the face of a stiff challenge from the People’s National Party’s (PNP’s) Steve McGregor.

At the First Missionary Basic School on East Street in the constituency, scores of voters were seen at the polling station which has three polling divisions.

Under the watchful eyes of the police, voters are being allowed into the station at intervals based on the polling divisions in which they are scheduled to vote.

Already there have been complaints about the slow pace of the process as people are exposed to the glare of the early morning sunshine.

“A old voter like me nuh have no reason to complain because me know how the thing go already,” said one elderly elector who gave her name as Sonia.

The section of Kingston Central is a part of the PNP’s stronghold in the constituency, with most people in line making clear their support for McGregor.

But JLP outdoor and indoor agents in their lime green shirts are keeping a close eye on proceedings.

Kingston Central is one of those constituencies which knowledgeable political watchers say the PNP will have to flip if it is to get the 32 seats it needs to form the next Government.

The constituency has two divisions, Rae Town, which has traditionally voted JLP and Allman Town, which is the the PNP’s stronghold.

JLP has won the seat only three times since 1944 and Williams would by the first JLP standard-bearer to hold the constituency if he emerges victorious when the votes are counted this evening.

— Arthur Hall