Political Commentator Linton Gordon says low voter turnout for yesterday’s North East St. Ann by-election was due to the Opposition People’s National Party not contesting.

The Electoral Office reported a voter turnout of 11.6%.

The Jamaica Labour Party’s Matthew Samuda won with 4,838 votes.

Independent candidate David Anderson secured 222 votes, while the United Independent Congress (UIC) candidate Chase Neil received 30 votes.

Speaking to IRIE FM News this afternoon, Mr. Gordon stated that many JLP supporters did not see a reason to vote because the PNP was not contesting.

However, he noted that the failure of JLP supporters to show up does not indicate a lack of support for Mr. Samuda.

Mr. Gordon said the next general election scheduled for next year, will be one to watch.

He noted that while Mr. Samuda has been welcomed by JLP supporters, he must not forget that the constituency was a PNP stronghold before it was won by the late Shahine Robinson of the JLP.