Jamaica: Jamaican Labour Party returns to power in Jamaica after 18 years

On 3 September 2007, Jamaica's first woman prime minister and leader of the People's National Party (PNP), Portia Simpson Miller lost power to the rival Jamaican Labour Party (JLP), headed by Bruce Golding, in a narrowly drawn election that saw the JLP winning 50.1% of the votes and 33 seats against the PNP’s 49.7% of the votes, awarding them a total of 27 seats. The election win for the JLP saw them return to power after 18 years. The results of the election, which was delayed by a week due to Hurricane Dean which caused extensive damage throughout the Caribbean island, were initially subject to a three day recount with the out-going prime minister claiming that there had been irregularities in the polls including illegal campaigning beyond the cut off date and the buying of votes.

Election observer, Albert Ramdin, assistant secretary-general of the Organisation of American States said: “I believe this election can stand international scrutiny”. Portia Simpson Miller, who became head of the country in March 2006, later released a statement saying: "The People's National Party accepts the announced preliminary results, while reserving all legal rights under the Jamaican constitution and our electoral laws." It is estimated that approximately 70% of the country’s eligible voters cast their votes in the election. Political commentators speculated that the Portia fell out of favour with the Jamaican public following her party’s poor response to Hurricane Dean which damaged 250 polling stations. The once hugely popular figure also saw her support wane after a weak performance during a debate with Bruce Golding, leader of the then opposition.

Just over a week after the results were confirmed, 59-year-old Orette Bruce Golding was sworn in as Jamaica’s eighth Prime Minister. During his inaugural speech he announced his intention to "do what, in my best judgment, is right for Jamaica".