189 candidates nominated ahead of Jamaica general election

The Electoral Commission of Jamaica (ECJ) has confirmed that a total of 189 candidates have been nominated to contest the general election scheduled for September 3, 2025.

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Both major parties, the People’s National Party (PNP) and the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP), have nominated 63 candidates each, contesting all constituencies across the island. The Jamaica Progressive Party has nominated 47 candidates, the United Independents’ Congress seven, while nine individuals will run as independents.

Of the total nominees, 136 are men and 53 are women.

For the local government by-elections in Denham Town, Chancery Hall, and Olympic Gardens—also scheduled for September 3—six candidates have been nominated, equally split between men and women, representing the JLP and the PNP.

The Electoral Office of Jamaica (EOJ) said it has now shifted focus to final preparations for polling, including the assignment of symbols to independent candidates, printing ballots, distributing election materials, and preparing polling stations. Special Services Voting Day is set for Friday, August 29, ahead of the main election day.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness confirmed that the previously announced by-election for the Seivwright Gardens division—within the St Andrew West Central constituency—will not be held on September 3. Holness, speaking outside the Waltham Park New Testament Church of God in St Andrew, where he was nominated for a seventh term, clarified:

“There was no nomination or elections. Just to be clear. The law gives the authority to call a by-election when there is a vacancy to the mayor. The mayor was not so minded.”

Electoral officials confirmed that no candidates had been nominated for the Seivwright Gardens by-election. The ECJ has not issued a statement on the matter.

Mayor of Kingston Andrew Swaby previously argued that Holness and Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzie had no authority to set the by-election date when they jointly announced it on August 10. The PNP has indicated it is prepared to challenge the decision in court.

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