Andrew Holness Secures Historic Third Term for Jamaica Labour Party

Jamaica election results have confirmed a historic third consecutive term for Prime Minister Andrew Holness and the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP), who emerged victorious after a tightly contested race against the opposition People’s National Party (PNP). Preliminary figures showed the JLP winning 34 of the 63 parliamentary seats, with the PNP taking 29.

**Voters stand in line in the rain at a polling station to cast their votes in Wednesday’s general election, in Kingston, Jamaica.**

Holness, in his victory address, pledged continuity and acceleration of national development. “In our second term we created a momentum. We are on the right path, heading in the right direction with the right trajectory. That should not be broken,” he said.

The JLP’s triumph builds on its governance record over the past two terms, marked by economic growth and a significant reduction in crime. The World Bank highlighted Jamaica’s reduction of public debt from more than 140% of GDP in 2013 to 73.4% in the 2023–2024 financial year. The economy is forecast to expand by 1.7% this year. Crime has also dropped drastically, with killings down 43% so far in 2024, credited to stronger firearm seizures and coordinated security operations.

Holness also overcame a contentious campaign in which the PNP spotlighted an integrity commission report that raised questions about his income and assets. The prime minister, who has denied wrongdoing, secured a Supreme Court ruling allowing him to challenge the findings, stating during a debate: “I have been investigated, for a year, with an expert forensic auditor. The findings of that report have suggested no corruption. There have been no charges.”

Mark Golding, opposition leader and candidate for prime minister, and his wife Sandra Golding arrive at a polling station to cast their votes in the general election, in Kingston, Jamaica 3rd September, 2025.

Despite the JLP’s win, the PNP gained ground compared to 2020, with Mark Golding exceeding expectations by securing an additional 15 seats. Conceding defeat, Golding urged supporters to uphold democratic values: “It’s my duty as a believer in democracy to acknowledge and concede the result and to congratulate our opponents, the Jamaica Labour party, for their victory tonight.”

Low voter turnout cast a shadow over the outcome, with fewer than 40% of the more than two million registered voters participating. Holness acknowledged the issue but underscored the strength of the democratic process: “We do have our concerns about the turnout, but [for] the people who voted, the majority spoke and chose Jamaica.”

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