Local government elections March 26

Daraine Luton, Senior Staff Reporter

Jamaica's local government elections are to be held on March 26.

Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller made the announcement today at a press conference held at Jamaica House.

She also announced that Nomination Day will be held on March 5.

Jamaicans last voted in local government elections on December 5, 2007. Then, the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP), fresh from its September 3 general election win that year, swept the elections.

The JLP won 133 divisions to the 94 won by the People's National Party (PNP).

The JLP won eight parishes as well as the Kingston and St Andrew Corporation.

The JLP's Keith Hinds was also elected Mayor of the municipality of Portmore.

On the other hand, the PNP gained the majority in three parish councils with a tie in St Ann.

The JLP won 272,803 votes to the PNP's 249,369 votes.

The number of divisions which will be contested in the elections have increased from 227 to 228, as a result of boundary changes.

daraine.luton@gleanerjm.com