At a packed Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) rally in Half-Way Tree, St. Andrew, Prime Minister and JLP leader Dr. Andrew Holness officially announced the date for Jamaica’s next general election.
Speaking to thousands of supporters, Holness revealed that the general election will be held on September 3, 2025, with nomination day set for August 18, 2025.
By-elections in four local government divisions in the Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation will also be held on September 3, Holness announced. The divisions are – Chancery Hall, Olympic Gardens, Seivwright Gardens and Denham Town.
All 63 JLP caretakers for the upcoming polls were confirmed at Saturday’s Central Executive meeting.
The announcement concludes weeks of political speculation and signals the official start of the campaign season.
The JLP government has been in power since 2016, with Holness serving as Prime Minister throughout this period. During this time, the administration has focused on economic growth, crime reduction, and social development, emphasizing stability and progress amid regional and global challenges.
Reflecting the government’s achievements, several ministers shared statements that were posted on social media, underscoring ongoing efforts across key sectors:
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Hon. Kamina Johnson Smith, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, said, “This is a different Jamaica and a different government. We are delivering like never before. We’re building more roads, expanding access to clean water, supporting persons with disabilities, fixing transportation, and growing our economy for every Jamaican.”
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Hon. Daryl Vaz, Minister of Science, Energy, Telecommunications and Transport, highlighted transportation improvements: “Jamaica’s transportation system is transforming with more modern fleets, safer roads, and expanded routes, making travel more efficient and accessible for all. We are doing more for you! Choose Jamaica.”
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Pearnel Charles Jr., Minister of Labour and Social Security, emphasized social support: “We’ve increased the social pension to better support our seniors and those in need. We’ve raised the minimum wage to ensure hardworking Jamaicans earn what they deserve. Through the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, we’ve expanded job training programs, strengthened workers’ rights, and improved social safety nets to protect vulnerable families. Under the Jamaica Labour Party, we’re embracing technology and digital knowledge with clear plans to open new doors of opportunity for you!”
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Juliet Cuthbert Flynn, State Minister in the Ministry of National Security, spoke on public safety gains: “New police stations are opening up, patrols are stronger than ever, and crime is going down. We’re putting in the work every single day to keep Jamaica safe and with the Jamaica Labour Party, we’re building a Jamaica we can all be proud of.”
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Hon. Floyd Green, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, focused on rural development and economic growth: “We’re investing in the future of this country by creating more jobs, supporting our farmers, and driving economic growth across all communities. We’ve made sure our farmers and fisherfolk have insurance to protect their livelihoods. Forward ever, backward never!”
Addressing party members and the public, Holness called on JLP candidates to campaign with humility, respect, and a focus on improving the lives of Jamaicans across all constituencies. He stressed the importance of conducting campaigns with dignity and upholding the party’s commitment to decency and professionalism.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the government’s record during its two terms in office, including sustained economic growth over 20 consecutive quarters, a significant reduction in violent crime, record-low unemployment rates, and a more than 150 per cent increase in the minimum wage.
Ahead of the election, the Electoral Office of Jamaica (EOJ) will expand its services, including opening constituency offices on Saturdays to facilitate voter registration and the distribution of national ID cards.
International and regional observer groups such as CARICOM, the Organisation of American States (OAS), the Commonwealth Secretariat, and Jamaica’s Citizens Action for Free and Fair Elections (CAFFE) have been invited to monitor the election process, underscoring Jamaica’s commitment to transparent and credible elections.
Prime Minister Holness also gave a special mention to Jamaicans in the diaspora, saying he is welcoming those who want to come back home to vote.
The announcement marks the beginning of an intense political period, with both the ruling JLP and opposition, People’s National Party, gearing up for what is expected to be a closely watched electoral contest.
