Jamaicans unhappy with both political parties

The RJR/TVJ poll has confirmed that most Jamaicans are unhappy with the two major political parties, with the Opposition People’s National Party (PNP) faring even worse than the governing Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) in public estimation.

Political analysts have argued that recent national events have affected how political parties are seen by the public.

The RJR/TVJ Boxill poll sought and obtained answers to how favourable the country's two main political parties are viewed by the Jamaican public.    

There have been a number of events, issues such as the extradition of Christopher ‘Dudus’ Coke, the hiring of the American law firm Manatt Phelps and Phillips, the incursion into Tivoli Gardens, the State of Emergency and the subsequent reduction in crime.

Now the RJR TVJ Boxill poll has gauged public opinion on the island's two political parties.

Essentially most respondents view both parties in an unfavourable light.

Of all respondents, 50% have an unfavourable view of the opposition People's National Party while only 36% see the PNP in a favourable light.

Six percent did not know or were not sure of their views while 8% did not offer a view point.

The ruling Jamaica Labour Party does not fare much better.

Slightly less than half of all respondents view the governing party in an unfavourable manner, 48% to be exact.

At the same time 38% have a favourable opinion of the JLP, which is halfway through its term in office.    

Five percent were not sure and 8% offered no answer.

Just over 1,000 persons 18 years old and over participated in the poll.

The margin of error is plus or minus 4%.