The 1980 national polls represented a major transition in Jamaica's politics as the socialist government of Prime Minister Michael Manley was swept from power by the conservative Jamaica Labour Party, led by Edward Seaga. The parties were fiercely divided along ideological lines. The JLP won 51 of the 60 parliamentary seats. It was a devastating loss for Manley's People's National Party, which won the 1972 and 1976 elections in convincing fashion. The Election was held October 30, 1980. #Electio