Jamaica’s Andrew Holness Wins Third Term in Tight Election

Prime Minister Andrew Holness has secured a third term in office after the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) won at least 34 of 63 parliamentary seats in Wednesday’s general election, according to preliminary results. The opposition People’s National Party (PNP), led by Mark Golding, captured at least 29 seats.

Golding conceded defeat in a brief address, calling the moment “not an easy speech to make” while acknowledging Holness’s victory.

Voter turnout reached 38.8 percent, a marginal increase from the pandemic-affected 2020 election, despite over 2 million registered voters in the 2.8-million-population nation. Security forces and poll workers voted early on August 29, with a reported 57 percent turnout in that group.

The JLP campaigned on a platform of security gains and economic stability. Under Holness, Jamaica has seen a 43 percent drop in homicides in 2024 – the sharpest decline in decades – attributed to aggressive firearm seizures and targeted states of emergency.

Some areas, including the tourist hub of St. James, reported up to a 70 percent reduction in killings.

The JLP also highlighted low unemployment and fiscal discipline, urging voters to preserve progress. During the campaign, Holness pledged to double Jamaica’s minimum wage.

The winning party will appoint 13 of 21 senators, with the opposition selecting the remaining eight.

Holness’s re-election underscores the JLP’s hold on governance amid growing calls for balanced policies that sustain security gains without compromising democratic freedoms.