The battle for St Andrew NW | Comrades, Labourites confident in early voting

Syranno Baines, Gleaner Writer

Supporters of the two major political parties were out in their numbers and expressing confidence in Maverley shortly after the polls opened at 7 o'clock this morning for a by-election in St Andrew North West. 

The contest pits political neophytes Dr Nigel Clarke of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) and Keisha Hayle of the Peoples National Party (PNP), in a battle to replace Derrick Smith, who retired in January after serving 29 years as the Member of Parliament.

When The Gleaner's news team visited the Maverley Primary and Junior High School on West Mane Drive, where 13 polling stations are located, party supporters lined the roadway taunting and delivering political jabs at their opponents.

"A this unnu MP do fi 20 plus years don't? Unnu proud? Not a good road in sight," one female PNP supporter directed at a group of JLP outdoor agents.

"A we inna government. Wah Keisha a go do in a Opposition? You fight a losing battle. Check me once the polls close," responded one of the agents.

Another PNP supporter told our news team that the size of crowds outside the polling station was not significant as "it's who can vote".

Nearby at the Hughenden Community Centre which houses six polling stations, voting started slowly.

There, election day workers engaged in dialogue to pass the time as only five persons cast ballots in a 30 minute span after the poll opened.

ST ANDREW NW ELECTION FACTS:

*The St Andrew North Western constituency was created in 1976 when the number of constituencies in Jamaica was increased from 53 to 60. 

*Of the eight contested parliamentary general elections, the JLP has won seven while the PNP's only victory was in 1976 when Dr Kenneth McNeill (PNP) defeated Karl Samuda (JLP) 6,611 votes to 4,743. 

*In 1980 Samuda returned to capture the seat beating the PNP’s Carlyle Dunkley.

*Samuda shifted to the St Andrew North Central in 1989 and Derrick Smith stepped in to fill the breach for the JLP and held it until his recent resignation.

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