With the exception of shooting incidents in the South East St. Andrew and Central Manchester constituencies, and the attempted theft of a ballot box in St. Ann, two observer groups considered yesterday's general election relatively free and fair.

With a million Jamaicans eligible to vote, more than 1,500 observers from both the Citizens Action for Free and Fair Elections (CAFFE) and the Organisation of American States (OAS) monitored the proceedings across the 60 constituencies.

"Generally speaking, the election did get off to a very good start, with challenges being the violence in the constituency of South East St. Andrew and in St. Ann where they tried to steal a ballot box," said Fabian Brown, director and parish coordinator of CAFFE. "However, in the situation with South East St. Andrew, police have taken control."

Ambassador Albert Ramdin, assistant secretary general of OAS, was, however, full of praise for Jamaica's political process, despite some glitches and acts of violence.

"Generally speaking, there was no systematic or widespread violence and we hope that this holdstonight (last night), tomorrow (today) and beyond. This shows that Jamaica's political process has matured."

Ambassador Ramdin said while the voter turnout varied in several constituencies, his workers noted order and peace where there were long lines.

Brown also noted there was a larger voter turnout than normal, which slowed the voting process.