Lisia Lynch, Gleaner Writer

James Ashley (left), who is blind, is assisted by a relative, Elita Lawrence, to the polling station in Cambridge, St James, to cast his vote. - photo by Mark Titus

Electors displayed a level of maturity in St. Mary that was pleasing to the eye on Monday. It was almost a beautiful sight, as Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) and People's National Party (JLP) supporters, unafraid of wearing their colours, lined up with each other, without incident.

While there was no animosity, Election Day in South East St. Mary in particular, was greeted with much fanfare as voters unapologetically turned out early, adorned in their party colours.

With the South East St. Mary seat, known as a battleground constituency, voters made sure to take to the streets from as early as 6 a.m. in an attempt to secure their respective party's victory.

The polling station at Annotto Bay Primary was in operation on time and for the most part, things ran smoothly.

As the day progressed, things became a little confusing, as some people did not see their names on the voters' list. Others, as lines became longer, complained of the lengthy delays, which were reportedly caused by voters not having their identification cards.

First candidate to arrive

Tarn Peralto, the JLP candidate who lost to Harry Douglas of the PNP by only 46 votes, was the first candidate to arrive to cast his vote. It wasn't easy for Mr. Peralto as he had to go to two other polling stations before he finally found his name at the Annotto Bay Primary School.

Voters both young and old turned out, even some who could barely walk. On asking one of the voters, who was one-legged, the reason for voting, her response was clear. "I am 77 and I will vote till I die," she declared. Another frail man, who arrived to vote with bated breath, said: "Even being really sick right now, I have to come out and vote, it is in my blood."