Karlene O'Connor, Gleaner Writer

Many thought they would not survive the test of time, but the National Democratic Movement (NDM) will be contesting the upcoming general election.

Speaking to The Gleaner yesterday, NDM leader, Earl Delisser, said: "We are still very much alive."

He attributed his party's longevity to theloyalty of those who believe in its ideology.

The NDM has nine proposed candidates for the upcoming election. These candidates will be contesting selected seats in seven parishes - St. Andrew, St. Thomas, St. James, Hanover, St. Elizabeth, St. Catherine and Clarendon.

Party's lack of funds

Noting the party's lack of funds, Delisser told The Gleaner, "Campaigning is low-key right now. What we try to do is to appeal to people who love their country and are willing to put it above party interest."

He alluded to the polls which, according to him, show a high percentage of undecided voters who can be capitalised on.

The NDM was founded in 1995 by the now leader of the Jamaica Labour Party, Bruce Golding. The party had a favourable response in the opinion polls leading up to the 1997 election, but soon faded into the background of Jamaican politics.