Jamaicans are due to vote in a general election which is expected to be the closest contest for years.
Jamaicans are voting in a general election which is expected to be the closest contest for years.
The governing People's National Party (PNP) led by Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller is seeking its fifth straight term of office.
The governing People's National Party (PNP) led by Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller is seeking its fifth straight term of office.
However, the latest opinion polls give a slim lead to the opposition Labour Party (JLP) of Bruce Golding.
However, the latest opinion polls give a slim lead to the opposition Labour Party (JLP) of Bruce Golding.
Campaigning has been marred by political violence, with at least seven people killed over the weekend.
Campaigning has been marred by political violence, with at least seven people killed over the weekend.
But the election authorities say the number of incidents is the lowest it has been for years.
But election authorities say the number of incidents is the lowest it has been for years.
'Best chance'
'Best chance'
Some 1.3 million Jamaicans are eligible to vote on Monday. All 60 seats are up for grabs in the country's House of Representatives.
Some 1.3 million Jamaicans are eligible to vote. All 60 seats are up for grabs in the country's House of Representatives.
Both Ms Simpson Miller and Mr Golding are facing their first general election as party leaders.
"I am voting for the JLP. This country needs a change and we will get that change today," voter Jennifer Somers told Reuters as she prepared to cast her ballot at a polling station near Kingston.
John Hewitt, another voter at the same polling station, was quoted by the news agency as saying: "The PNP all the way. We need Portia to continue the progress."
Both Ms Simpson Miller and Mr Golding are contesting their first general election as party leaders.
Ms Simpson Miller became prime minister 18 months ago, but her popularity has since been declining steadily, the BBC's Orin Gordon in Kingston says.
Ms Simpson Miller became prime minister 18 months ago, but her popularity has since been declining steadily, the BBC's Orin Gordon in Kingston says.
Mr Golding's JLP now has its best chance for some time of ending its 18-year absence from office, our correspondent says.
Mr Golding's JLP now has its best chance for some time of ending its 18-year absence from office, our correspondent says.
The planned vote on 27 August was postponed after Hurricane Dean ravaged the Caribbean island.
The vote had been planned for 27 August but was postponed after Hurricane Dean ravaged the Caribbean island.
Are you in Jamaica? Will you be voting in the general election? How important is this poll for the country? Send us your comments and predictions using the form below.
Are you in Jamaica? Will you be voting in the general election? How important is this poll for the country? Send us your comments and predictions using the form below.
