Jamaica’s Upcoming General Election: Party Platforms and Key Constituencies

By: Staff Writer | Editorial credit: U.S. Department of State from United States, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Kingston, Jamaica: On September 3, 2025, Jamaicans will head to the polls to elect 63 members of the House of Representatives. This election comes at a crucial juncture, with debates over constitutional reform, economic justice, and governance reform at the forefront. Below is a breakdown of the major party platforms, constituency battles, and controversies shaping this highly anticipated election.

Party Platforms & Policy Highlights

Jamaica Labour Party (JLP)

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Prime Minister Andrew Holness seeks a third consecutive term. The JLP emphasizes economic stewardship, infrastructure development, and crime management. Its compendium of 250 accomplishments highlights achievements in education, healthcare, housing, rural roads, and school bus systems. The JLP also supports Jamaica’s transition to a republic, replacing the British monarch with a Jamaican head of state.

People’s National Party (PNP)

The PNP has released a manifesto in multiple formats, including audio versions in English and Jamaican Creole, to broaden accessibility. Key proposals include: adopting the Caribbean Court of Justice as the final appellate court, impeachment provisions, recall mechanisms, fixed election dates, and term limits. It also proposes expanding the Senate to include diaspora, Persons with Disabilities, and cultural groups like Rastafari and Maroons.

Jamaica Progressive Party (JPP)

The JPP, a rising force, is contesting 47 constituencies. Its 103-page manifesto pledges to raise the minimum wage to US $11/hour within three years, increase pay for public sector and essential workers, and provide annual allowances for police, nurses, teachers, military personnel, and firefighters. This agenda is aimed at addressing wage stagnation and reducing brain drain.

Election Structure & Candidate Landscape

On Nomination Day, August 18, 2025, 189 candidates were confirmed: 63 each from the JLP and PNP, 47 from the JPP, seven from the UIC, and nine independents. The candidate pool includes 136 men and 53 women. Simultaneous local government by-elections in Denham Town, Chancery Hall, and Olympic Gardens will also take place.

Key battlegrounds include Clarendon North Western, where veteran Richard Azan (PNP) faces Warren Newby (JLP). Other races, such as St. Catherine Southern with Fitz Jackson (PNP), Delroy Dobney (JLP), and Pastor Courtney Morrison (JPP), illustrate the competitive landscape.

Debate Controversies & Media Access

A dispute between the PNP and JLP has emerged over the inclusion of certain journalists in national debates. The PNP threatened to boycott if reporters from NNN were included, while the JLP opposed exclusions. The Press Association of Jamaica criticized the move, and the Debates Commission condemned the breach of confidentiality in deliberations.

Snapshot of Key Battleground Issues

Conclusion

With less than two weeks remaining before election day, campaigns are intensifying. The issues of constitutional reform, wage equity, and governance are at the forefront, making this one of the most consequential elections in Jamaica’s modern history. The outcome will shape not only the next government but the nation’s political and constitutional trajectory.

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