Increase in Reports of Vandalism, Intimidation as Election Looms

As the general election draws close, the tone of the political campaign is growing increasingly tense, as multiple reports of vandalism, intimidation, and violence surface in several constituencies.

Robian Williams reports.

The latest flash-point is Eastern St. Thomas, where Jamaica Labour Party, JLP, member of parliament, MP, Dr. Michelle Charles, has accused supporters of the opposition People’s National Party, PNP, of systematically removing her campaign materials and physically assaulting one of her supporters.

Dr. Charles confirmed that a police report has been filed regarding the alleged attack.

The allegations follow earlier complaints from PNP supporters in the same constituency, who claimed that their campaign paraphernalia, including that of caretaker and councillor Yvonne Rosemarie Shaw, had also been removed or destroyed.

Images and videos circulating online appear to support the claims from both sides.

Torn billboards were seen in Leith Hall and other sections of Eastern St. Thomas. One video shows a man using a stick to dismantle a billboard bearing political messaging.

Similar tensions are reported in East Central St. Catherine, where JLP MP Alando Terrelonge accused the PNP of engaging in political sabotage reminiscent of what he calls the “1970s PNP-style of vandalism and intimidation.”

Terrelonge is being challenged by PNP caretaker Raymond Pryce.

Photos obtained by Nationwide News show the words “PNP,” “PNP Zone 1,” and “1 Pryce MP” spray-painted on roads in the Southboro community.

Meanwhile, in South West St. Ann, PNP caretaker Danishka Williams has also raised concerns, saying several of her campaign boards have been deliberately removed, and she has experienced ongoing political intimidation.

In response to the growing tensions, the Electoral Commission of Jamaica, in its role as political ombudsman, last week issued an urgent appeal for calm.

The commission urged all political parties and their supporters to refrain from destroying or defacing campaign material, warning that such actions only serve to escalate hostility and undermine the democratic process.