BaughDESPITE OPINION polls and political observers predicting a close election, officials of both the governing People's National Party (PNP) and the Opposition Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) say they are well poised for a comfortable victory.
PNP general secretary, Maxine Henry-Wilson, said while she does not expect the "traditional landslide" that the country has become accustomed to, she doesn't see the election being as close as the polls have been suggesting.
"The sort of closeness that some people have been predicting, I don't see that," she emphasised. "It's just not a part of our politics... of the way we vote. I see the outcome as being very clear-cut and not something where there will be anxious moments."
The JLP is equally excited about its prospects. Contacted last night, party general secretary, Kenneth Baugh, said the JLP was in no way perturbed by what the opinion polls have been suggesting, noting that "we are confident of a comfortable victory".
"What is significant is not the numbers showing the PNP gaining on us," Dr. Baugh said. "What really counts is that a majority of Jamaicans want to see a change of Government and at this stage of the campaign these are people who will more likely be voting JLP."
He said that it would be more likely for those who still are listed among the uncommitted to be leaning strongly towards the JLP which, he notes, would put his party safely ahead. "There are a lot of things happening now such as road works and other vote-buying projects," Dr. Baugh added. "A lot of people are afraid to indicate their political allegiance for fear they could lose out on these opportunities."
Mrs. Henry-Wilson, asked why after having had so many distractions, including a number of embarrassing scandals resulting in several high-profile resignations, the PNP remains so confident of securing that unprecedented fourth term, said the party had never lost faith in its ability to reach the electorate. "We have never lost sight of our message and our ability to mobilise at the grassroots level," she said. "We have a long list of solid achievements and this is what we are taking to the people."
She added: "Just look at the size crowds we have been able to attract when we go into local communities... and we are talking about local crowds and not persons being bussed in. These are people who believe in what we are doing. It all starts from within the communities and that has been our focus."
