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Polls close in Jamaica's closely fought election | |
(about 11 hours later) | |
Polls have closed in Jamaica in a general election dominated by concerns over the debt-ridden economy. | |
The governing Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) is in a tight race with the main opposition People's National Party (PNP). | |
Prime Minister Andrew Holness, in office for just two months and the country's youngest leader, is bidding to secure a second term for his party. | Prime Minister Andrew Holness, in office for just two months and the country's youngest leader, is bidding to secure a second term for his party. |
PNP leader Portia Simpson Miller was prime minister from 2006 to 2007. | PNP leader Portia Simpson Miller was prime minister from 2006 to 2007. |
The snap election was called earlier this month by Mr Holness, who succeeded Bruce Golding as JLP leader and prime minister in October. | The snap election was called earlier this month by Mr Holness, who succeeded Bruce Golding as JLP leader and prime minister in October. |
Debt burden | Debt burden |
Monitors said polling got off to a relatively smooth start on Thursday in a country where previous elections have been marred by violence. | |
Later some glitches were reported, such as fingerprint scanners working intermittently, leading to long queues at some of the country's polling stations. | |
But Lisa Shoman, the head of the observer mission for the Organization of American States, said her 25-member team has not reported "any disturbances or any issues that would cause us any serious concern". | |
The BBC's Nick Davis in Kingston says while violent crime used to dominate election campaigns, it is now the economy and unemployment which has become the main issue. | |
In recent weeks, the JLP and its main rival, the PNP, have been campaigning hard to win over undecided voters. | |
Mr Holness, 39, has stressed the JLP's record in reviving an economy which he said was badly managed during the PNP's long years in office. | |
However the PNP says the JLP itself is guilty of economic mismanagement and has allowed the country's debt to balloon. | |
Whoever wins Thursday's vote will face deep problems, with debt running at approximately 130% of GDP and unemployment at more than 12%. | |
The next government may well be forced to adopt austerity measures, including sacking public sector workers, in a bid to tackle the debt, analysts say. | The next government may well be forced to adopt austerity measures, including sacking public sector workers, in a bid to tackle the debt, analysts say. |
The last election in 2007 was close, and faced with the possibility of a tie, the number of constituencies was increased from 60 to 63. | The last election in 2007 was close, and faced with the possibility of a tie, the number of constituencies was increased from 60 to 63. |
Polls closed at 17:00 (22:00 GMT). The electoral commission is expected to announce preliminary results sometime before midnight. |