1980 Jamaican general election

General elections were held in Jamaica on 30 October 1980.[1] The balance of power in the 60-seat Jamaican House of Representatives was dramatically-shifted. Prior to the vote, the People's National Party (PNP), led by Prime Minister Michael Manley, had a 47 to 13 majority over the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP), led by Edward Seaga. With the loss by 38 PNP incumbents to their JLP challengers, Seaga's party captured a 51 to 9 majority and Seaga replaced Manley as Prime Minister of Jamaica. Voter turnout was 86.9%.[1]

1980 Jamaica general election
Jamaica
30 October 1980
60 seats in the House of Representatives
31 seats needed for a majority
PartyLeader % Seats +/–
JLP Edward Seaga 58.88 51 +38
PNP Michael Manley 41.05 9 -38
Prime Minister before Prime Minister after
Michael Manley
PNP		 Edward Seaga
JLP
Politics of Jamaica
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Conduct

The elections were marked by gun violence, exacerbated by economic pressure related to IMF austerity, lay-offs of public workers, and blackouts due to a national electric strike.[2] 153 elderly women died in the Eventide Home fire on 20 May, which was suspected, but not proven, to have been started by politically-motivated arsonists.[3]

Results
PartyVotes%Seats+/–
Jamaica Labour Party502,11558.8851+38
People's National Party350,06441.059–38
Independents5270.060New
Total852,706100.00600
Valid votes852,70699.07
Invalid/blank votes8,0400.93
Total votes860,746100.00
Registered voters/turnout990,41786.91
Source: Nohlen

References
  1. Dieter Nohlen (2005) Elections in the Americas: A data handbook, Volume I, p430 ISBN 978-0-19-928357-6
  2. The bloody general election that changed Jamaica Jamaica Observer, 30 October 2012
  3. Remembering the Eventide Home fire victims Jamaica Observer, 21 May 2018
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