Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) West Portland candidate Daryl Vaz has voiced concern over the large contingent of outsiders being bussed into the constituency ahead of next week's poll.

According to Vaz, outsiders could create unnecessary political tension.

"I am disturbed about the amount of out-of-town people, not necessarily party officials, but supporters, who are coming into the constituency," said Vaz.

Speaking to The Gleaner following a rally in Buff Bay Valley on Tuesday, the JLP candidate said a minor skirmish in Orange Bay a few days ago between supporters of his party and the People's National Party (PNP) was cause for concern.

Preparation forcrowd control

"I had a meeting with the prime minister today and have asked for his intervention. I am calling on both political parties to make sure that only functionaries coming to work on election day are allowed to come into the constituency," said Vaz.

According to the former member of parliament, the police should also step in to make sure undesirables from both parties stayed out of West Portland since they had no vote and could only cause trouble.

Vaz also asked for the input of the ombudsman, Bishop Herro Blair, and the PNP hierarchy to help prepare for and prevent trouble.

The JLP candidate's comments came prior to the killing of two men by the police yesterday in Buff Bay.

In response, the PNP has downplayed Vaz's comments, saying: "He needs to do some house cleaning before pointing fingers".

"The only persons we have here on the ground are party executives, PNPYO executives, members of parliament and direct members of the campaign team," said PNP General Secretary Peter Bunting.