Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness Clinches Rare Third Term in Office
Kingston, Jamaica – 4 September 2025
In a hard-fought election that captivated the nation, Prime Minister Andrew Holness and the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) have secured a rare third consecutive term, reaffirming their leadership amid growing economic and social pressures.
Preliminary results from Jamaica’s general election held on 3 September 2025 indicate that the JLP won 34 of the 63 seats in Parliament, edging out the People’s National Party (PNP), which claimed 29 seats .
“This was not an easy victory,” Holness said during his victory speech, calling the result a testament to the population's support of his administration’s direction .
Key Highlights:
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Low Voter Turnout: Turnout hovered at approximately 39%, reflecting a trend of voter disengagement despite rising stakes .
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Economic Achievements: Under Holness’s leadership, Jamaica has:
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Reduced public debt from over 140% of GDP in 2013 to approximately 73.4% by 2023–2024, earning recognition from the World Bank .
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Witnessed a 43% drop in homicides this year, marking one of the steepest declines in decades, thanks to increased firearm seizures and intensified security efforts .
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Bold Promises: Campaigning on fiscal gains, the JLP pledged to:
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Slash income tax from 25% to 15%.
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Double the national minimum wage from approximately J$16,000 to J$32,000 per week, phased over time .
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Opposition’s Stand: The PNP, led by Mark Golding, conceded defeat gracefully but emphasized concerns over unresolved inequity, infrastructure, and alleged corruption linked to Holness’s income declarations
Implications and Outlook
Securing a third straight term marks a historic feat in Jamaica's political landscape. Holness’s continued tenure suggests stability and confidence in the JLP’s economic stewardship. However, the tight margin and voter apathy signal a growing demand for accountability and inclusion.
Should Holness deliver on his tax-cut and wage promises, Jamaica may see a short-term boost in household incomes. But watchdogs and business groups, particularly in the tourism sector, warn of potential side effects like inflation and competitiveness losses .
