Jamaicans head to polls in closely fought election

Jamaicans are heading to the polls in a general election dominated by concerns over the debt-ridden economy. The race between the governing Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) and the People's National Party (PNP) was too close to call on the eve of voting. Prime Minister Andrew Holness, in office for just two months and the country's youngest leader, is bidding to secure a second term for his party. PNP leader Portia Simpson Miller was prime minister from 2006 to 2007. The snap election was called earlier this month by Mr Holness, who succeeded Bruce Golding as JLP leader and prime minister in October. The JLP and its main rival, the PNP, have been campaigning hard to win over undecided voters. Mr Holness has stressed the JLP's record in reviving an economy left badly managed during the PNP's long years in office. "Jamaicans are now safer, our economy is stable with a solid foundation for job creation," he said in a last-minute address. Debt burden The PNP counters that by saying the JLP is guilty of economic mismanagement and has allowed the country's debt to balloon. "It's not only going to be a victory but a wipeout of the Jamaica Labour Party," said Mrs Simpson Miller, 66, who was the island's first female leader. Whoever wins Thursday's vote will face deep problems with debt running at approximately 130% of GDP and unemployment at more than 12%. The next government may well be forced to adopt austerity measures, including sacking public sector workers, in a bid to tackle the debt, analysts say. The last election in 2007 was close, and faced with the possibility of a tie, the number of constituencies was increased from 60 to 63. Polls, open at 07:00 local time (12:00 GMT), are due to close at 17:00 (22:00 GMT).