The battle for NW St Andrew | Low voter turnout as tempers rise in Maverley

Projections of a low voter turnout in the by-election in St Andrew North West seems on track with only 10 per cent, or just over 3,000 of the 30,216 electors on the list, casting their ballots in the first four hours after the polls opened.

So far, the flashpoint in constituency has been in Maverley where enthusiastic supporters of the two major political parties have been on the streets since early this morning.

There was some panic when gunfire was heard in the vicinity of West Main Drive and Grenmeade Road, metres from the Maverley Primary and Junior High School where several polling stations are located.

It was later reported that the shots were fired by members of a police party trying to apprehend a wanted man. 

The People’s National Party (PNP's) Keisha Hayle is facing off with the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP's) Dr Nigel Clarke. 

Outside the polling station, tempers flared with regularly skirmishes and testy exchanges between PNP and JLP supporters.

In one instance, outdoor agents had to restrain two females, who, after trading expletives, started a physical brawl.

In other cases, persons were heard promising "gunshots" to opposing supporters.

Police and military personnel had swarmed the area, blocking off around 200 metres of West Main Drive on either side, leading of the polling station.

There has been no such drama in the Norman Gardens division where a by-election is being held to elect the councillor.

At 11 a.m. the Electoral Office of Jamaica reported a seven per cent voter turnout in the division.

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