Jamaica’s Parliament Dissolves Friday Ahead of September 3 General Election

Governor-General Sir Patrick Allen will officially dissolve Parliament on Friday, August 15, by proclamation on the advice of Prime Minister Andrew Holness, marking the formal end of the current legislative term.

The dissolution follows Prime Minister Holness’ August 10 announcement that Jamaica’s next general election will be held on Wednesday, September 3, with Nomination Day set for Monday, August 18. The timing complies with constitutional requirements mandating elections within five years of the first sitting of a new Parliament.

Upon dissolution, all seats in the House of Representatives and Senate will become vacant, and any pending legislation or parliamentary business will lapse.

Key officials – including the prime minister, opposition leader, Cabinet ministers, Speaker of the House, and President of the Senate – will remain in office until a new government is sworn in after the election.

The dissolution kicks off the official electoral period, enabling candidate nominations and nationwide campaigning ahead of the September 3 vote, which will determine the makeup of Jamaica’s next Parliament.