Thirty-six independent candidates are among 499 people nominated today to contest the February 26, Local Government Election.
The Electoral Office of Jamaica (EOJ) says this includes 496 candidates vying for seats, in the 228 electoral divisions island-wide, as well as 3 candidates for mayor in the municipality of Portmore.
The Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) and the People’s National Party (PNP) each entered a full slate of candidates to contest the polls.
The PNP’s Leon Thomas, the JLP’s Markland Edwards and independent candidate Howard Hamilton, have been nominated to contend for Portmore mayor.
Four candidates were nominated to represent the United Independents’ Congress (UIC).
The thirty-six independent candidates are to contest the election in 34 electoral divisions.
Director of elections Glasspole Brown says the day went smoothly.