PORTLAND, Jamaica — The official recount of ballots has confirmed the People’s National Party (PNP) candidate, Isat Buchanan, as the Member of Parliament for Portland Eastern.
At the conclusion of the exercise, Buchanan recorded 8,361 votes, an increase of 45 from the preliminary figures. His rival, Ann-Marie Vaz of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP), ended with 8,176 votes, five fewer than her earlier total.
The recount settles what was a tightly contested race. The preliminary results had already indicated a narrow lead for Buchanan, but the final margin of 185 votes solidifies his victory and officially hands the constituency back to the PNP.
Observers note that Portland Eastern has been one of the island’s most closely watched battlegrounds in recent years, with both major parties investing significant resources to secure the seat. Buchanan’s win is expected to boost morale within the PNP ranks while the JLP will now reassess its footing in the constituency.
