The Jamaica Labour Party (JLP), led by Prime Minister Andrew Holness, has secured a third consecutive term in government after winning the general election held on September 3, 2025. This historic victory marks the first time the JLP has won three straight terms since Jamaica gained independence in 1962.
Preliminary results show the JLP winning 34 of the 63 parliamentary seats, while the opposition People’s National Party (PNP), led by Mark Golding, secured 29 seats. The close margin highlights the competitiveness of the election. However, voter turnout was historically low, hovering between 38.8% and 39.5% which is one of the lowest participation rates in Jamaica’s electoral history.
Key Campaign Issues
Prime Minister Holness pointed to a 43% drop in killings in 2025, crediting increased firearm seizures and expanded security measures. The government’s continued reliance on states of emergency drew criticism from human rights groups as well as from the opposition People’s National Party (PNP).
The JLP’s campaign emphasized stability, highlighting low unemployment rates and reduced poverty levels. Holness also pledged to double the national minimum wage from J$16,000 to J$32,000 per week, as well as to cut personal income tax rates from 25% to 15% over time.
These promises, paired with a track record of fiscal stability, formed the core of the JLP’s economic pitch.
The PNP’s campaign focused on infrastructure, transparency, and accountability. The party pledged to raise the personal income tax threshold to J$3.5 million and criticized the JLP over procurement practices, including the controversial purchase of used school buses for rural children. Opposition Leader Mark Golding also questioned the Prime Minister’s financial disclosures, claims that Holness has denied.
Reactions to the Results
In his victory speech, Holness described the election as “not an easy victory” and called on Jamaicans to stay engaged in shaping the country’s future. PNP leader Mark Golding conceded, praising the competitiveness of the election and affirming the strength of Jamaica’s democratic system.
This win cements the JLP’s historic achievement of three consecutive terms, signaling continuity in leadership but also renewed scrutiny on crime, governance, and economic reforms.
The Jamaica Labour Party’s 2025 election victory marks a turning point in Jamaica’s political history. As the Holness administration begins its third term, the focus will be on whether it can deliver on its promises of economic relief, wage increases, and crime reduction, all while addressing concerns about transparency and democratic participation.
Low Voter Turnout
Commentators highlighted concerns about the low voter turnout, with fewer than 40% of Jamaica’s just over two million registered voters casting their ballots, despite a population of 2.8 million. In his remarks, Prime Minister Holness acknowledged the issue but emphasized the strength of the democratic process, stating: “We do have our concerns about the turnout, but for those who voted, the majority spoke and chose Jamaica.
For Jamaicans and the diaspora watching closely, this moment is both historic and pivotal for the country’s future.
