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Polls close in Jamaica's closely fought election Jamaica opposition People's National Party 'wins poll'
(about 3 hours later)
Polls have closed in Jamaica in a general election dominated by concerns over the debt-ridden economy. Jamaica's opposition People's National Party has won national elections, preliminary results show, after a campaign dominated by the economy.
The governing Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) is in a tight race with the main opposition People's National Party (PNP). If confirmed, the results will mean a return by PNP leader Portia Simpson Miller to the post of prime minister.
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. Meanwhile, PM Andrew Holness will become one of the country's shortest-serving PMs in history.
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 leader 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. There was no immediate of claim of victory from Mrs Simpson Miller, but PNP campaign spokesman Franklyn Delano said the results left no room for doubt.
"We have been returned [to power]," Delano told Jamaican TV as PNP supporters cheered in the background.
Debt burdenDebt burden
Monitors said polling got off to a relatively smooth start on Thursday in a country where previous elections have been marred by violence.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.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".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.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.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.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.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%. Mrs Simpson Miller was prime minister from 2006 to 2007.
The winner of 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. Polls closed at 17:00 (22:00 GMT).