Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

Eugene

(61,914 posts)
Fri Feb 26, 2016, 10:08 PM Feb 2016

Jamaica's opposition wins general election as voters tire of austerity

Source: Reuters

World | Fri Feb 26, 2016 12:59am EST

Jamaica's opposition wins general election as voters tire of austerity

KINGSTON | BY REBEKAH KEBEDE

Jamaica's opposition narrowly won a general election on Thursday, with its message of deep tax cuts and massive job creation winning over voters weary of years of tough IMF-mandated austerity measures.

The Jamaican Labour Party (JLP) led by Andrew Holness had won 33 of the 63 seats with almost all votes counted, according to the electoral council website. Prime Minister Portia Simpson-Miller's party took 30 seats.

The sound of airhorns filled the JLP's headquarters in Kingston as a jubilant crowd of supporters in the party's signature green waved flags and partied to dancehall music, including a song called "Bye bye Portia, bye bye".

"We will grow the Jamaican economy. We will create jobs. We will give you an accountable and responsive government," said Holness, 43, adding that his government would address a laundry list of issues from water to housing and healthcare.

[font size=1]-snip-[/font]


Read more: http://www.reuters.com/article/us-jamaica-election-idUSKCN0VZ09C
Latest Discussions»Region Forums»Latin America»Jamaica's opposition wins...