Tuesday, September 4, 2007

Jamaica: Simpson-Miller down but not out after elections

Jamaican Prime Minister Portia Simpson-Miller has yet to concede defeat in yesterday’s general elections on the island as results are still too close. Ballots are undergoing a recount as preliminary results show the opposition Jamaica Labour Party obtained 31 of 60 parliamentary seats.

How could Simpson-Miller “lose” by such a razor-thin margin? According to the Jamaica Gleaner she should’ve called elections shortly after taking power nineteen months ago. Yet the Guardian UK notes that it’s more than that:

“The prime minister, widely known as ‘Sista P’, retains widespread affection. But confidence has been eroded by party scandals, violent crime and sluggish growth. When Hurricane Dean swept through coastal regions last month she was accused of hiding in a bunker.”

As we mentioned last Friday, Simpson-Miller gained eight spots on Forbes’ “100 Most Powerful Women” list.

Image- Al Jazeera (Opposition supporters celebrate the Jamaica Labour Party’s apparent victory)

Sources- Canadian Press, Reuters, Jamaica Gleaner, Guardian UK, The Latin Americanist

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