40,000 eligible for by-elections tomorrow

More than 40,000 registered voters in St Andrew North West and the Norman Gardens Division in East Kingston will tomorrow go to the polls in a by-election to elect a new member of parliament and councillor, respectively. 

However, the spotlight will be on St Andrew North West, where more than 30,000 people are registered to vote for the Jamaica Labour Party's Dr Nigel Clarke or the People's National Party's Keisha Hayle. The seat became vacant following the retirement of Derrick Smith, who bowed out of active politics in January after 29 years as MP. 

Campaigning ended in the constituency on Friday, which has seen a flurry of senior officials from both parties drumming up support for their candidate. Residents have reported repairs to sidewalks, potholes being pressed with marl and renovation of some some roads has begun. 

Meanwhile, over in Norman Gardens the PNP's Jacqueline Lewis will go up against the JLP's Headley Wilson. 

The Electoral Office of Jamaica has reported that it's ready to oversee both by-elections. The EOJ will be using the Electronic Voter Identification System (EVIS) to conduct tomorrow's elections, following a simulation in both constituencies late last month.  

Polls will open at 7:00 tomorrow morning and close at 5:00 in the afternoon.