Jamaica’s ruling Labour Party has declared victory in the general elections, securing a third consecutive term for Prime Minister Andrew Holness, who campaigned on promises of tax cuts and economic reforms.
Preliminary results released by the Electoral Commission of Jamaica on Thursday showed the Labour Party winning 34 seats, compared with 29 for the opposition People’s National Party (PNP). Voter turnout stood at 39.5%.
“This was not an easy victory. Make no mistake about it, this was a fight,” Holness said in a televised address late on Wednesday, shortly after PNP leader Mark Golding conceded defeat.
Holness credited his government’s economic record for the win, highlighting Jamaica’s unemployment rate of 3.3% along with reductions in poverty and crime. He pledged to cut the income tax rate from 25% to 15% and gradually double the national minimum wage from J$16,000 ($100.50) to J$32,000 per week in the coming years.
The opposition, however, accused the government of mismanagement, including overspending on second-hand school buses. The PNP also raised concerns over the prime minister’s statutory declarations of income, assets, and liabilities, allegations Holness has firmly denied.
The Labour Party’s win extends Holness’s leadership, marking a significant political milestone as he prepares to deliver on bold economic promises while navigating public scrutiny.
