Jamaica Labour Party Secures Third Consecutive Term in General Election

KINGSTON, Sept. 4, 2025 - The Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) has won a third straight term in office after securing 34 of the 63 seats in Wednesday’s general election, according to preliminary results released early Thursday by the Electoral Commission of Jamaica.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness, whose administration campaigned on promises of tax cuts and continued economic growth, described the victory as hard-fought. “This was a battle,” Holness said in a televised address following the concession of defeat by People’s National Party leader Mark Golding, who said he accepted the outcome despite his disappointment.

Voter turnout stood at approximately 39.5%, slightly higher than the 2020 election amid the pandemic. The opposition People’s National Party (PNP) claimed 29 seats, falling short of the majority needed to form government.

Holness highlighted his government’s record on crime reduction, low unemployment, and poverty alleviation. He reiterated his pledge to cut the top income tax rate from 25% to 15% and to gradually raise the national minimum wage from JMD 16,100 to JMD 32,000 per week over the coming years.

Golding, speaking at PNP headquarters, urged the party to regroup and continue advocating for social investments, infrastructure improvements, and greater government accountability. “We fought hard, and although today’s result is not what we hoped, our commitment to the people of Jamaica remains unwavering,” he said.

With the final vote count still to be certified, Holness will be sworn in for a third term and expected to form his new cabinet shortly.