The preliminary counting of ballots cast in the North East St. Ann by-election is underway.

The polls, which opened at 7 A.M. closed at 5 this afternoon.

The seat is being contested by Matthew Samuda of the Jamaica Labour Party, Chase Neil of the United Independents’ Congress, and independent candidate David Anderson.

The result is expected by about 6:30 P.M.

The Electoral Office of Jamaica (EOJ) reported that today’s voting process was slow and fairly smooth.

Director of Elections Glasspole Brown noted that voter turnout was low.

Up to 3 p.m., the turnout was 9.36 %.

For the comparative period in the 2020 General Election, the turnout was 28.81%.

Mr. Brown noted that there was a minor incident at the Marcus Garvey Technical High School polling station.