Andrew Holness Secures Historic Third Term as Jamaican Prime Minister

Mon Sep 15 2025 16:59:48 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

In a significant electoral victory, Andrew Holness has won a third term, leading Jamaica's Labour Party to a successful election against the opposition People's National Party.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness has achieved a rare third term in office following a decisive win for the Labour Party. With a campaign centered around tax cuts and improved safety, Holness's leadership was recognized by voters as evidenced by low crime rates and economic growth. Despite some opposition criticisms regarding financial accountability, Holness expressed gratitude to the electorate for their continued support and trust in his vision for Jamaica's future.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness, 53, has won a rare third term in office after his Labour Party sailed to victory in Wednesday's election.

The Caribbean nation's electoral commission stated the Labour Party had won 34 seats, surpassing the opposition People's National Party (PNP), which secured 29 seats, according to preliminary figures.

The PNP candidate, Mark Golding, has conceded defeat.

Holness campaigned with a promise to reduce the income tax rate from 25% to 15%, while Golding stated he would raise the income tax threshold.

The incumbent garnered support from many voters for decreasing the homicide rate, which reached its lowest level in 25 years in the first quarter of 2025, according to official statistics.

Despite some critiques regarding the measures employed to achieve this drop in crime, including declarations of states of emergency, the increased sense of safety appears to have bolstered Holness's bid for re-election.

The economy was a focal point of Holness's campaign, with the Labour Party touting a low unemployment rate of 3.3% as a major accomplishment. However, the PNP criticized the government for financial mismanagement, bringing attention to the expense of second-hand school buses purchased for the country.

They also questioned Holness's integrity, referencing a report that scrutinized his income and assets declaration. Holness denied any wrongdoing, asserting that the opposition's claims were merely distractions due to the government's substantial achievements.

Although voter turnout was relatively low at 39.5%, an observer mission from the Organization of American States (OAS) commended Jamaican voters for their calm demeanor and civic maturity throughout the electoral process.

Holness expressed his gratitude to voters for granting him this “historic third term,” promising to uphold their trust and belief in a vision for a stronger, safer, and more prosperous Jamaica.