JLP to challenge court decision declaring PNP winner of Ginger Ridge division

The People's National Party's (PNP) Ralston 'John' Wilson was declared the winner of the Ginger Ridge division in St Catherine today, following a two-day magisterial recount in the St Catherine Parish Court.

Wilson won by seven votes – 1,118 to the Jamaica Labour Party's (JLP) Jeremiah Edwards' 1,111 votes – in the just concluded local government elections.

However, Member of Parliament for St Catherine West Central, Dr Christopher Tufton, said lawyers for the JLP will be challenging the results in the Supreme Court.

“I do not believe the will of the people was reflected. We will be making a petition, and we hope to have a by-election," Tufton said.

Among the issues he outlined were the rejection of some ballots, which had a 'tick' mark instead on an 'x', as well as several unsealed envelopes and ballots that did not have the signature of the Elector Office of Jamaica's presiding officer.

In the meantime, Wilson said he was ready to be sworn in as the deputy mayor for the St Catherine Municipal Corporation.

"I am ready to serve the people," he said.

The PNP won the St Catherine Municipal Corporation 22-19.

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