A final count of the votes cast in Thursday’s general elections in Jamaica has concluded with the main opposition Jamaica Labor Party unseating the ruling People’s National Party by a narrow margin. Jamaica Labor Party candidates won 32 of the 63 constituencies, while the People’s National Party won 31, the Electoral Office of Jamaica said in a statement. It is expected to communicate the final election results to Governor-General Patrick Allen.
Jamaica Labor Party leader Andrew Holness, meanwhile, is expected to be sworn in as prime minister by the end of the week. As the country’s top lawmaker, Holness must take on a number of daunting issues, from high debt to rising crime and deep unemployment. He has pledged to create jobs and economic growth, while improving education and healthcare.
Some political observers and pollsters, however, fear that the one-seat margin could make it difficult for the party to usher in some of its reforms and as a result, the country’s 1.8 million voters could soon find themselves back at the polls.
Full Article: Final count in Jamaica elections confirms opposition JLP victory | Miami Herald.
