Prime Minister Dr Andrew M. Holness, right, seen here with the Premier of the Virgin Islands, Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), announced on Sunday evening, August 10, 2025, that elections in Jamaica will be September 3, 2025. Photo: Office of the Premier

According to Mr Paul B. Dennis, KC, Jamaica’s Honourary Consul to the Virgin Islands (VI), there is no provision in Jamaica for absentee or proxy voting, and any Jamaican abroad wishing to vote must return home to do so in person. Photo: GIS/File

The opposition People’s National Party (PNP), led by Mark J. Golding, is pledging to construct 50,000 affordable homes, offer a $500,000 deposit grant to young prospective homeowners, and implement a range of social support measures, such as expanded school meal programmes, academic interventions in low-income areas, and full university scholarships for the first person in each family to matriculate. Photo: news.jamaicans.com

Prime Minister Dr Andrew M. Holness made the long-anticipated announcement at a mass rally in Half-Way Tree on Sunday evening, August 10, 2025, calling on voters to ‘Choose Jamaica’ and grant the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) an unprecedented third consecutive term in office.

Nomination Day has been set for August 18.

Tight race

According to the Jamaica Gleaner, public opinion polls suggest the race to control Jamaica House will be a tight one.

The JLP, which currently controls 49 of the 63 seats in Parliament, is campaigning on a platform of continued economic growth, expanded infrastructure, and stronger crime management.

Campaign promises

Meanwhile, the opposition People’s National Party (PNP), which holds 14 seats, is pushing for a new direction under its ‘Time Come’ campaign.

The PNP is prioritising economic inclusion, greater access to housing, especially for young, middle-income persons, and reforms in healthcare and education.

The PNP is pledging to construct 50,000 affordable homes, offer a $500,000 deposit grant to young prospective homeowners, and implement a range of social support measures, such as expanded school meal programmes, academic interventions in low-income areas, and full university scholarships for the first person in each family to matriculate.

PNP President Mark J. Golding, according to the Jamaica Gleaner, has positioned himself as a champion of the marginalised, arguing that Jamaica needs a government that puts the people at the centre and uplifts the vulnerable.

Jamaicans abroad wishing to vote must return home to do so- Paul B. Dennis, KC

There is a large Jamaican population in the Virgin Islands, with recent data by the Department of Labour and Workforce Development showing that Jamaicans top the list of work permit holders in the territory.

There is no provision in Jamaica for absentee or proxy voting; however, and any Jamaican abroad wishing to vote must return home to do so in person, Mr Paul B. Dennis, KC, Jamaica’s Honourary Consul to the Virgin Islands (VI), told our News Centre.

“However, whatever the outcome of the elections, we remain ONE Jamaica and that is the sentiment which I am quite confident all in the Jamaican diaspora embrace,” Mr Dennis added.

According to the Electoral Office of Jamaica, 2,077,799 people are eligible to vote in the upcoming general election. A party needs at least 32 seats in the 63-seat House of Representatives to form the government.