#LocalGovtElection: What's at stake in today's polls?

What's at stake in today's local government election?

Two political analysts have agreed it is a test for the leadership of PNP president Portia Simpson Miller.

Manchester-based political watcher Kevin O'Brien Chang says based on public support and the momentum from the general elections, the Andrew Holness-led Jamaica Labour Party led is the favourite to win most of the municipal corporations.

He said if that happens, Simpson Miller's leadership will again be questioned.

Political historian, Troy Caine, says while a loss at the polls could hurt Simpson Miller but he is not sure it would hasten her departure.

The outgoing PNP general secretary Paul Burke has admitted that today's vote could be somewhat of a referendum on his party's leader.

IN PHOTO: Paul Burke

But he said that is not the significant thing about the polls for the party.

In the aftermath of the opinion polls-defying general election loss in February, Lisa Hanna emerged as one of the PNP voices calling for ‘renewal’.

Central Manchester MP Peter Bunting had indicated that he could challenge her but later announced he would delay his attempt.

Dr Karl Blythe, eventually challenged Mrs Simpson Miller and lost.