Jamaicans Head to Polls in 2025 General Election; Counting Underway

Jamaicans cast their ballots today, 3 September 2025, in a highly anticipated general election that pits the incumbent Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) against the opposition People’s National Party (PNP). Polling stations across all 63 constituencies opened at 7:00 a.m. and closed at 5:00 p.m., with those in line at closing time still permitted to vote under electoral rules enforcing a secret ballot.

Voter turnout remained muted, estimated at under 40 percent as of mid-afternoon, as many citizens cited long lines and identification requirements for their decision to defer voting. The Electoral Office of Jamaica emphasized that voters without renewed ID cards could still vote after taking an oath, a process observed to slow overall throughput at busy stations.

Counting began immediately after polling closed. Early tallies suggest tight contests in several marginal seats that are likely to determine which party secures the 32-seat majority in the House of Representatives. Key battlegrounds include Kingston Central, where JLP incumbent Donovan Williams defends against PNP challenger Steve McGregor, and Westmoreland Eastern, featuring PNP’s Dayton Campbell versus the JLP’s Daniel Lawrence.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness, seeking a third consecutive term for the JLP, and PNP leader Mark Golding, campaigning on increased social welfare spending, both pledged to accept the outcome. Final results are expected overnight as counting continues at constituency centers nationwide.