Jamaican Candidates Nominate Monday for September 3  Elections as EOJ Speeds Up Prep

Deandrea Hamilton | Editor

Jamaica, August 15, 2025 – Prime Minister Andrew Holness confirmed that Jamaica will go to the polls on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, launching the official campaign season and setting the stage for a crucial vote. This was announced on August 10 at a high-energy rally in Half-Way-Tree, sending intended signals for both accountability and continuity.

Nomination Day is set for Monday, August 18, followed by by-elections in four Kingston and St. Andrew municipal districts—Chancery Hall, Olympic Gardens, Seivwright Gardens, and Denham Town—all aligned with the September 3 polling date.

The Jamaica Labour Party (JLP), led by Holness, is seeking its third straight term, citing sustained economic growth, reduced violence, and social reforms including increased minimum wages. Meanwhile, the opposition People’s National Party (PNP), under Mark Golding, is pushing back with a platform focused on housing, jobs, and governance reforms.

EOJ Advanced in Election Preparations

On August 14, the Electoral Office of Jamaica (EOJ) reported that it is “fairly advanced” in its readiness efforts.

Glasspole Brown, Director of Elections, told JIS that final preparations are underway:

• Election Day workers have been identified and training is expected to wrap up within days.
• A record 7,250 polling stations have been designated—marking a significant increase from the local government elections last February.
• Nomination and counting centres have been pre-identified in anticipation of the campaign kickoff.
• Ballots, voter lists, and related election supplies are in the process of being printed and distributed across the island.
• Brown reaffirmed: “We are pretty advanced and we should complete [the preparations] and be ready for September 3.”

What This Means

With approximately 2.08 million registered voters, this election is shaping up to be one of Jamaica’s most pivotal in recent memory.

The deployment of 7,250 polling stations speaks to an EOJ preparing for comprehensive coverage—likely aiming to minimize congestion, enhance voter access, and ensure public safety amid heightened turnout.

Jamaicans can expect a closely fought campaign, with clear stakes on leadership direction, economic recovery, and national unity.