The former United States President Jimmy Carter has appealed to the people of Jamaica to ensure that a general election due to take place on the island on Thursday is free of violence.

Mr Carter is leading a sixty-member international observer mission that will monitor the election.

Other members of the mission include the retired American military leader, General Colin Powell, and the world heavyweight boxing champion, Evander Holyfield.

The Jamaican Prime Minister, P J Paterson, hopes to win for the People's National Party, a third term in office.

Correspondents say there's been little political violence during campaigning compared to previous elections.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service
 

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