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The study was designed to probe the direction of the undecided. This was done by asking each of them
to say what might motivate them to vote. These results were triangulated by their assessment of the JLP
and PNP. The results in Chart 8 show that about two‐fifths are likely to vote for the PNP, a third for the
JLP; while one‐seventh (15%)could not say the direction they might go, and almost one‐tenth (by
‘thinking out loud’ declared that they are most likely not going to vote in the upcoming election.
Interestingly, 3% of respondents stated explicitly that they would vote for any candidate who was willing
to purchase their vote with cash or kind.
Chart 9 explains why 73% of the undecided respondents (found in Chart 8) are likely to vote for the PNP
or JLP. The primary motivation seems to be abhorrence for the opposing party. This was followed by
family tradition and not wanting to be excluded from the political activity. These categories were
dominated by the PNP. Most persons who stated that they would vote on issues referred to the physical
infrastructure of the country, especially its motorways – and credited the PNP for these gains. The PNP
were also credited for having better candidates from which to choose. The data show that the Leader of
the JLP would, however, benefit more than the Leader of the PNP from empathy votes. A significant
number of undecided respondents expressed that they might vote JLP to “Give Andrew a chance, since
in all fairness, him never get proper time to show us what he can do.” Only 6 respondents felt similarly
about the Leader of the PNP, suggesting that “Give the woman one last go at this thing. When she did
just start it was about Portia; but now she is a team player. Give her a chance to go on.”
41%
32%
15%
9%
3%
Chart 8: Predicted Voting Direction of the Undecided
PNP (128)
JLP (100)
Cannot say (46)
Not vote (27)
Gifts (8)
8