KINGSTON, Jamaica (September 4, 2025) – Prime Minister Andrew Holness and the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) have carved their place in Jamaica’s political history, winning the island’s 19th general election and securing an unprecedented third consecutive term in office. The victory, though narrow, underscores the JLP’s resilience amid mounting public concerns about corruption, inequality, and economic pressures.
Results and Turnout
Preliminary results gave the JLP 34 seats in Parliament, edging out Mark Golding’s People’s National Party (PNP), which secured 29 seats. Despite predictions of a tight race, jubilant JLP supporters transformed the party’s Belmont Road headquarters into a carnival-like celebration, with bells ringing and streets filled with Labourites dancing in green.
Voter turnout was 39.5%, among the lowest in Jamaica’s democratic history, reflecting a deepening trend of political disengagement. By contrast, the 1980 election saw turnout of more than 78%. More than 2 million registered voters were eligible to cast ballots across the island’s 63 constituencies.
Golding, acknowledging defeat, admitted the results were disappointing: “This is not an easy speech to make,” he said, before conceding gracefully to Holness and his party.
Holness’ Victory and Political Legacy
Holness’ third-term win cements his status as one of the most dominant leaders of the post-Independence era. Since first taking office in 2011, Holness has now led the JLP to four wins in the last five general elections, including the landslide of 2020. His new mandate places him on course to rival P.J. Patterson’s 14-year tenure as Jamaica’s longest-serving prime minister.
In his victory address, Holness emphasized the challenges of the campaign, rejecting claims that the JLP’s win came by default:
“Make no mistake about it, this was not an easy victory … we ran a clean, disciplined, focused, well-organized campaign and we proved that we can win without tearing down Jamaica. That is how democracy wins.”
He cautioned his party against arrogance, pledging to focus on inclusive prosperity: “In our third term, we must be laser-focused on ensuring that there is prosperity for all Jamaicans.”
Crime, Security, and the JLP’s Campaign
A centerpiece of the JLP campaign was its touted success in crime reduction. Murders have fallen by 43% in 2025, the sharpest decline in decades, with reductions of up to 70% in some parishes like St. James. This turnaround has been credited to increased firearm seizures, improved coordination among security forces, and the continued use of states of emergency in high-crime areas.
Business leaders and many citizens have praised the decline in violence, especially for safeguarding Jamaica’s critical tourism industry. However, human rights groups raised concerns about heavy-handed tactics and alleged illegal detentions, warning against trading civil liberties for short-term security gains.
The Economy, Jobs, and Wages
Economically, the JLP highlighted its record of stability: no new taxes over the past eight years, declining poverty and unemployment, and fiscal prudence. The party also pledged continuity and warned against reversing progress.
One of Holness’ most controversial campaign promises was to double the national minimum wage from J$100 per 40-hour week to J$200. He framed it as part of a broader push to ensure workers share in economic growth: “As the economy expands, we must ensure those at the bottom are rewarded fairly.”
The pledge drew sharp criticism from the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association, which cautioned that higher wages could impact employment, competitiveness, and the affordability of Jamaica’s tourism product.
The PNP’s Challenge
The opposition PNP entered the race with strong rhetoric, highlighting corruption scandals, inequality, and inadequate infrastructure under Holness’ leadership. Mark Golding argued that while Jamaica had seen some progress, too many citizens were still being left behind: “There are a lot of frustrated people tired of the conditions in which they live.”
The PNP’s platform included:
Raising the income tax threshold from J$11,200 to J$21,800
Eliminating taxes on overtime pay
Building 50,000 new homes to address housing shortages
Despite resonating with sections of the electorate, the proposals failed to secure enough momentum to overturn the JLP’s dominance.
A Changing Political Landscape
This election also featured smaller players: the Jamaica Progressive Party, the United Independents’ Congress, and nine independent candidates. None made significant inroads, with the two major parties maintaining their historic dominance.
Still, low turnout and deep voter frustration signal challenges for Jamaica’s democracy. Analysts warn that if major parties fail to address disillusionment, alternative movements may eventually emerge as viable contenders.
Looking Ahead
Holness’ third term begins against a backdrop of optimism and unease. On one hand, Jamaica is seeing its lowest crime levels in years and enjoying relative economic stability. On the other, skepticism persists about corruption, wage promises, and whether prosperity will truly reach the island’s most vulnerable citizens.
The prime minister now faces the difficult task of converting campaign pledges into tangible results while safeguarding democratic trust. If successful, his legacy could redefine Jamaica’s political and economic future. If not, history may view 2025 as a missed opportunity at a critical crossroads for the nation.
✅ Summary:
JLP wins 34–29, securing third term for Andrew Holness.
Voter turnout at 39.5%, near record lows.
JLP campaigned on crime reduction, economic stability, and wage increases.
PNP emphasized social equity, housing, and tax reforms but fell short.
Holness now stands poised to rival Patterson’s record tenure.