Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller issued a statement on Sunday afternoon, appealing to all Jamaicans, including supporters of both the People’s National Party (PNP) and the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) to remain calm in light of the prolonged recounting of ballots taking place in some constituencies.
With reports of tension in some sections of the country, arising from the recounting process, the Prime Minister is urging supporters of both Parties to remain calm as the constitutionally prescribed processes continue.
"All Jamaicans have a responsibility to ensure that Jamaica's reputation as a mature democracy is preserved and nothing causes hurt to anyone," said Mrs Simpson Miller.
She added that Jamaica has made important economic gains, "which it cannot afford to reverse at this time and everyone must ensure that we put Jamaica first."
Heightened tension
Tension heightened overnight when news came that the PNP's Dr. Wintson Green had retained the St. Mary South Eastern seat on the recount, prevailing over Dr. Norman Dunn, who had been declared the winner on Election Night.
That outcome put the PNP just one seat behind the JLP, for a 32-31 split of the 63 seats in the national parliament.
All eyes are now on the recount taking place in respect of St. Thomas Western, where the JLP's James Robertson was declared a narrow winner on the preliminary count. The recount has been halted and the ballots have been transferred to Kingston, where the counting will resume on Monday morning.
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