Jamaica’s Parliament to be dissolved today ahead of Sept. 3 General Election

Governor-General Sir Patrick Allen will dissolve Jamaica’s Parliament on Friday, August 15, by proclamation issued on the advice of Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness, marking the formal end of the current parliamentary term.

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The move follows Holness’ announcement on August 10 that the next general election will be held on Wednesday, September 3, with Nomination Day scheduled for Monday, August 18. The dissolution aligns with the constitutional requirement that a general election must take place within five years of the first sitting of Parliament after the previous election.

Once dissolved, all seats in both the House of Representatives and the Senate will become vacant. As a result, all pending bills, motions, and unfinished business before either chamber or their committees will lapse.

During the interim period, the prime minister, opposition leader, Cabinet ministers, Speaker of the House, and President of the Senate will continue in their official roles until a new government is appointed by the Governor-General following the election.

The dissolution formally signals the start of the electoral process, allowing candidates to submit nominations and parties to campaign ahead of the September vote, which will determine the next composition of Jamaica’s Parliament.