WESTERN BUREAU: With no representatives yet identified for three constituencies in region four, the National Democratic Movement is set to step up its activities in western Jamaica over the next three weeks.

The empty seats are in South West St Elizabeth, Eastern and Western Hanover.

According to Region Four vice president, Russell Hammond, the constituency of Eastern Hanover may be taken off the list of vacant seats soon, as discussions are expected to be held with a prospective candidate.

He says that the party would be making itself more visible over the next two months as a part of a major drive to make it more attractive to the Jamaican electorate.

There is widespread speculation that the ruling People’s National Party may call elections soon, even though they are not constitutionally due until 2002. And even as the uncertainty hangs in the air, both the opposition Jamaica Labour Party and the fledgling NDM are busy putting their candidates in place.

The NDM has already identified candidates for the constituencies of North West St James, Appolone Reid; West Central St James, Dennis Meadows; East Central St James, and Carnel Cameron.

Robert Mignot is expected to be on the NDM’s ticket for the constituency of Eastern Westmoreland, which is represented by Prime Minister P J Patterson.

Meanwhile, the NDM expects that at least five persons who contested the 1997 elections will be back on its ticket for the next election.

Among them is Winston Lewis of North West St Elizabeth, Earl Powell of South East St Elizabeth, Peter Massy of Central Westmoreland and Russell Hammond in Western Westmoreland.

The constituency of South St James that was contested by businessman, Lincoln Hew in 1997 is still in the balance.

Hammond says the party is unhappy with the level of work being done by Hew in the constituency and would have to discuss Hew’s position.

Since its launch five years ago, it has been fluctuating in the polls and is yet to capture the imagination of the Jamaican people.

The last Stone Poll put the NDM’s support at eight per cent, compared to 22 per cent for the JLP and 24 per cent for the ruling PNP.

Hammond says the lack of a large core of supporters was having a negative effect on the party. However, he says, the party was now undertaking efforts to bring supporters together, with a view to strengthening the links of the constituents.