The scientific verdict is out. The Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) has gained more political bounce than the People's National Party (PNP) from the recently held debate between the respective party leaders - Bruce Golding and Portia Simpson Miller.

According to the findings of the latest Gleaner-commissioned Bill Johnson poll, 84 per cent of persons who voted for the JLP in 2002 say after viewing/hearing the match-up between Simpson Miller and Golding, they are now "more likely" to vote for the JLP. In comparison, 56 per cent of PNP voters in 2002 say the August 11 debate between the party leaders has caused them to be "more likely" to vote for the PNP.

According to Johnson, an overwhelming 45 per cent of persons who did not exercise their franchise in 2002 now say the debate outcome has influenced them to vote for the Bruce Golding-led JLP. This compares to a mere 22 per cent of this group who are attracted to the Portia Simpson Miller-led PNP.

It is not yet known officially when Jamaicans will go to the polls to elect a new Prime Minister, the original date of Monday, August 27, having been knocked out by Hurricane Dean, which slammed into the island on Sunday.

Date still pending

The Electoral Commission of Jamaica, which includes representatives from the two main political parties, met and recommended September 3 as the new date for the election. Cabinet has deliberated on this, but it is unclear if the green light has been given to go ahead with the new date. Reports are that the Prime Minister would like a later date in September.

Commenting on his latest poll findings relating to the recent leadership debates, Johnson says: "Bruce Golding did a much better job of not alienating his support among traditional JLP voters. But more importantly, he has won over those who did not vote in 2002, but are now registered and are primed to do so this year."

Johnson conducted the survey on Saturday, August 18, exactly one week after the show down between Golding and Simpson Miller. Sixty-five per cent of the 1,008 persons interviewed islandwide by Johnson's team say they tuned in to the debate which was broadcast nationally on radio and television. The poll has a margin of error of plus or minus three per cent.

Following the debate, analysts voted Golding the clear winner over Simpson Miller, claiming that the JLP leader was more convincing and factual in his presentation than the Prime Minister.

"No matter how one looks at the debate between the two leaders, the numbers clearly show that Bruce Golding did a better job than the Prime Minister," said the pollster in his analysis.