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Final count in close Jamaica vote Final count in close Jamaica vote
(about 7 hours later)
A final count of ballots is under way in Jamaica, where the ruling People's National Party (PNP) is refusing to concede a razor-thin defeat.A final count of ballots is under way in Jamaica, where the ruling People's National Party (PNP) is refusing to concede a razor-thin defeat.
Preliminary results gave the opposition Labour Party (JLP) victory, with 31 out of the 60 seats in parliament.Preliminary results gave the opposition Labour Party (JLP) victory, with 31 out of the 60 seats in parliament.
Portia Simpson Miller, Jamaica's first female Prime Minister, said the result was marred by irregularities such as illegal campaigning and "vote buying".Portia Simpson Miller, Jamaica's first female Prime Minister, said the result was marred by irregularities such as illegal campaigning and "vote buying".
Correspondents say the dispute has created a dangerous political vacuum.Correspondents say the dispute has created a dangerous political vacuum.
The director of elections, Danville Walker, told the BBC that the final count could take more than two days.The director of elections, Danville Walker, told the BBC that the final count could take more than two days.
The BBC's Orin Gordon, in Jamaica, says that would mean the result would come after a period of claims and objections from the parties or the candidates.The BBC's Orin Gordon, in Jamaica, says that would mean the result would come after a period of claims and objections from the parties or the candidates.
We're not going to stand by and allow people to use criminals to decide the future of the Jamaican people Portia Simpson Miller Jamaica rivals tussle class="" href="http://newsforums.bbc.co.uk/nol/thread.jspa?threadID=7241&edition=2&ttl=20070905113903">Send us your comments We're not going to stand by and allow people to use criminals to decide the future of the Jamaican people Portia Simpson Miller Jamaica rivals tussle
Three constituencies were decided by fewer than 100 votes. Mrs Simpson Miller, who has been in power for 18 months, refused to concede defeat, saying that some results could change with the final count.Three constituencies were decided by fewer than 100 votes. Mrs Simpson Miller, who has been in power for 18 months, refused to concede defeat, saying that some results could change with the final count.
The prime minister said PNP candidates could mount legal challenges in some constituencies.The prime minister said PNP candidates could mount legal challenges in some constituencies.
She alleged that some candidates had campaigned beyond the official cut-off period, and said some of her party members were prevented from casting their ballots.She alleged that some candidates had campaigned beyond the official cut-off period, and said some of her party members were prevented from casting their ballots.
"We're not going to stand by and allow people to use criminals to decide the future of the Jamaican people," she said."We're not going to stand by and allow people to use criminals to decide the future of the Jamaican people," she said.
Cautious speechCautious speech
Following Monday's preliminary results, the JLP leader, Bruce Golding, made a cautious speech.Following Monday's preliminary results, the JLP leader, Bruce Golding, made a cautious speech.
JLP leader Bruce Golding called for an orderly transition of powerHe stopped short of claiming victory but left no doubt that he thought that he would be forming the next government.JLP leader Bruce Golding called for an orderly transition of powerHe stopped short of claiming victory but left no doubt that he thought that he would be forming the next government.
"However perplexing some may find the results, the fact is that the people have spoken and we of the Jamaica Labour Party, we accept and respect the decision," said Mr Golding."However perplexing some may find the results, the fact is that the people have spoken and we of the Jamaica Labour Party, we accept and respect the decision," said Mr Golding.
"At the moment, the Jamaica Labour Party commands a majority of seats in parliament," he said."At the moment, the Jamaica Labour Party commands a majority of seats in parliament," he said.
He called for a transition of power in an orderly and peaceful manner.He called for a transition of power in an orderly and peaceful manner.
The voting itself was largely peaceful, but in the St Andrews area of Kingston shots were fired at a polling station from a car.The voting itself was largely peaceful, but in the St Andrews area of Kingston shots were fired at a polling station from a car.
The two main parties do not differ significantly in ideology. Analysts say voters may have been looking for a change to tackle Jamaica's deep-seated poverty, 9% unemployment and a murder rate that is among the highest in the world.The two main parties do not differ significantly in ideology. Analysts say voters may have been looking for a change to tackle Jamaica's deep-seated poverty, 9% unemployment and a murder rate that is among the highest in the world.
The election had been scheduled for 27 August but was postponed for a week after Hurricane Dean swept across the island, causing widespread damage.The election had been scheduled for 27 August but was postponed for a week after Hurricane Dean swept across the island, causing widespread damage.
Your comments:
Are you in Jamaica? Have you voted in the general election? How important is this poll for the country? Send us your comments and predictions using the form below.
Now that the people of Jamaica changed the course of the PNP, Portia must get out of Bruce's house ASAP.Wayne Daley, Kingston, Jamaica
Jamaica is improving dramatically. The governing party, PNP is doing their utmost for Jamaica. Jamaica has improved and it is still improving as we speak. This election is very important because we will find out if all people in Jamaica want to continue changing in the right direction or want a difference. For sure Portia Simpson-Miller, PNP President and current PM will win.Theo Monteith, Mandeville, Jamaica
Yes I voted. This is a well deserved victory not only for the JLP but for the people of Jamaica as a whole. Jamaica needed this change in government as we move forward. The high crime rate, poverty, poor living conditions and the dim future facing the youths are just some factors which I think will be handled better by this new government to be sworn in.Damian Lewis, Kingston, Jamaica
I strongly believe that no matter what party is in power, the violence and poverty will not be changed in Jamaica. The citizens of Jamaica need to realise that killing each other is useless. Why can't voters go out and vote without worrying for our lives? Jamaicans live in fear at these times.Liatany, Kingston, Jamaica
To be completely honest, I fail to understand the major differences (if any) between the PNP and the JLP. Both institutions seem to be preaching similar ideologies, and the deciding factor in this election, as in every election, will be based not on the political manifestos, but rather on the candidates' perceived personal integrity (and of course, outlandish promises).Edwin Clarkson, Montego Bay, Jamaica
Most Jamaicans were excited when Portia Simpson became Jamaica's first female prime minister. They had high hopes for her. However after the euphoria her popularity gradually declined. She cannot believe she was voted out and is protesting the results. Bruce Golding on the other hand was not gloating over his win but showed concern for all Jamaicans.Janice Rennalls, Kingston, Jamaica
If Mr Golding did win this election, then I hope he will do a good job of leading Jamaican out of these difficult times, with high employment and crime. I am a PNP supporter and would have liked Miss Simpson to have a four year term to see what she could do for the country. She was our first women prime minister so I think she would have done well. Norman Porter, Canada
This result is important for democracy on the island as it is always healthy when an opposition party wins. The opposition (apparently the winner) now has a real commitment to fulfil to the Jamaican people, especially pre-election promises of free education and health care.Maurice, Mandeville, Jamaica
The speech of Mrs Portia Simpson-Miller was not well received by Jamaicans. In such a tense situation a calming voice was needed, and that only came from the opposition leader when he finally reached his party headquarters. The closeness of the election result may eventually lead to a coalition government, a complete novelty in the bipartisan political landscape of the Caribbean. John Townend, Kingston, Jamaica
This result is a good one. We hope it will force the parties to work together to solve the country's crime problems and slow growth.Richard, Kingston, Jamaica
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