Overview of the 2025 General Election
On Wednesday, September 3, 2025, Jamaica held its general election organized by the Electoral Office of Jamaica (EOJ).
- Total seats in Parliament: 63
- Majority required to form government: 32
- Electoral system: First-past-the-post
Official Results (Preliminary Count)
The preliminary results were:
| Party | Seats Won | Party Leader |
|---|---|---|
| Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) | 35 | Andrew Holness |
| People’s National Party (PNP) | 28 | Mark Golding |
The Jamaica Labour Party won the election and retained power. Andrew Holness continues as Prime Minister. Mark Golding, leader of the PNP, conceded following the official count.
Voter Turnout
- Final voter turnout was approximately 39.5%.
- This represents one of the lowest voter participation rates in recent Jamaican history.
Major Campaign Issues
Tax Reform and Minimum Wage
- The JLP promised to reduce income tax from 25% to 15% and to double the minimum wage over time.
- The PNP proposed increasing the tax-free income threshold to J$3.5 million and eliminating taxes on overtime and gratuities for hospitality and BPO workers.
Public Integrity
- Concerns were raised over income and asset declarations by some public officials.
- The PNP emphasized transparency and anti-corruption.
- Andrew Holness denied any wrongdoing and reaffirmed compliance.
Crime and National Security
- The JLP highlighted reductions in major crimes and expansion of security zones.
- The PNP called for social interventions and community-led solutions to reduce crime.
Notable Outcomes
- Andrew Holness became the first Jamaican Prime Minister to win three consecutive general elections.
- The JLP lost seats compared to the 2020 election, signaling increased support for the opposition.
- Low voter turnout raised concerns and calls for greater civic engagement.
Prime Minister Andrew Holness in Kingston, Jamaica, on Sept. 3.Photographer: Ramon Espinosa/AP Photo