The Daily Prism

KINGSTON – The battle lines for Jamaica’s September 3rd general election are now officially drawn. A total of 189 candidates have been nominated to contest the election, with hopefuls from both major parties, as well as a range of smaller parties and independents, now formally in the race for the House of Representatives.

The nomination process, which concluded on Monday, confirmed a head-to-head battle in every one of the island’s 63 constituencies. The incumbent Jamaica Labour Party (JLP), led by Prime Minister Andrew Holness, and the opposition People’s National Party (PNP), led by Mark Golding, have each nominated a full slate of 63 candidates.

While the primary contest is between the two political giants, the field is more crowded than it appears. The Electoral Commission of Jamaica has confirmed the nomination of additional candidates, providing voters with a wider range of choices.

• The Jamaica Progressive Party will be on the ballot with 47 candidates.
• The United Independents’ Congress has nominated 7 candidates.
• Additionally, 9 individuals will be contesting as independents.

The nomination process also covered the local government by-elections. A total of 6 candidates, all representing either the JLP or the PNP, were nominated to contest the four divisions in Denham Town, Chancery Hall, and Olympic Gardens.

With the formalities of Nomination Day now complete, the countdown to the September 3rd election begins in earnest. The candidates have their rosters set, and the stage is now ready for a final two-week push to win the hearts and minds of the Jamaican people.