Political Analyst Warns Against the Notion of Safe Political Seats

Political commentator, Dr. Nadeen Spence, says representatives of the country’s two major political parties must not become complacent as they campaign ahead of the next general election.

Dr. Spence says this is due partly to the realisation that there are very few if any truly safe seats anymore in Jamaican politics.

Both the Jamaica Labor Party, JLP, and People’s National Party, PNP, have ramped up their political campaigns as the country gears up for the next general election.

Dr. Spence notes that the political struggle shaping up in Western St. Mary is surprising.

The JLP’s chairman, Robert ‘Bobby’ Montague, is the sitting member of parliament. He’s seeking a third term at the helm of the weathervane seat.

Montague is facing a strong challenge from the PNP’s Omar Woodbine. The latest Nationwide/Bluedot polls show Montague trailing Woodbine by 19 points.

Dr. Spence says she was taken aback by the poll findings.

Dr. Nadeen Spence, political commentator.

Meanwhile, public commentator, Germaine Barrett, says Bobby Montague has a major task convincing voters he deserves a third term in Western St. Mary.

Barrett says while Montague must pay attention on the home front, he must also do more to help the JLP nationally.

Germaine Barrett, public commentator. He was speaking on Nationwide at Five on Thursday.