General Elections, 3 September 2007

Hurricane Dean, August 2007  

Several Caribbean islands felt the damaging effects of Hurricane Dean between 17 and 21 August 2007. In Jamaica, winds damaged buildings and hospitals, interrupted power, water, and communications services, and destroyed crops. Despite the country’s efforts to clean up debris—through the cooperation of both public and private sectors, CSOs, families and individuals—it was impossible to prevent the spread of mosquitoes and rats. One case of dengue fever and several cases of leptospirosis were reported (PAHO 2007). Disaster officials estimated that around 300,000 people were displaced due to the hurricane (Helps 2007).  

Impact on the electoral process   

The election was postponed by a week, from 27 August to 3 September 2007. In total, Jamaica had 6,230 polling stations of which eight needed to be relocated. 155 polling stations were also damaged but were repairable in time for the election. Electricity was restored in most places by election day (OAS 2007).   

According to the election observation mission conducted by the Organization for American States (OAS 2007), the Electoral Office of Jamaica (EOJ) addressed the challenges posed by Hurricane Dean. New polling stations were identified, and election materials were provided. Those on the voters’ lists were able to vote, including citizens who did not have identifying documentation but could access alternative verification (questioning, confirmation, and fingerprinting).  

Voter turnout for the 2007 election was 60.4 per cent, which was an increase compared to the 2002 general election at 59 per cent (International IDEA n.d.).