PNP looking to bounce back in Aenon Town; JLP says it's on track to keep the division

The two major political parties are expressing confidence about their chance of securing a win in the by-election in the Aenon Town division in Clarendon. 

Suzette Barton of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) is facing the People's National Party's Delroy Dawson. The JLP currently holds an 11-10 majority in the Clarendon Municipal Corporation.

People's National Party (PNP) President Mark Golding told The Gleaner today's election is a chance for the party to bounce back from the 92-vote loss to the JLP in the February local government polls.

Speaking after visiting a polling station, Golding said, “For us, it represents an opportunity to win it back. We had it before, and last February was an aberration from our point of view.”

JLP Deputy General Secretary Andrew Wheatley, who is also on the ground, was optimistic about his party's chances.

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Three hours after the polls opened, Wheatley said "We are on target as it relates to getting out our supporters".

“It's a very good day for the political process in Jamaica,” Wheatley added, noting the camaraderie among supporters.

The by-election was called to fill the seat left vacant following the death of JLP councillor Marjorie McLeod McFarlane.

- Ruddy Mathison