4 SEPTEMBER 2025
(CARICOM Secretariat, Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown, Guyana) – At the invitation of the Chairman of the Electoral Commission of Jamaica (ECJ), the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) deployed an eleven (11) member CARICOM Election Observation Mission (CEOM) to observe the General Parliamentary Elections of Jamaica on 3 September 2025. The team arrived in Jamaica over the period 27 to 31 August 2025.
The objective of the CEOM is to observe the preparations for and conduct of elections in order to provide an impartial, independent, and honest assessment of the electoral process. This includes consideration of all factors that could impact the credibility and transparency of the elections.
Pre-Election Activities and Stakeholder Engagement
Prior to Polling Day, the Mission conducted several meetings with key stakeholders to understand the country’s political climate. The Mission met with Dr. the Most Honourable Andrew Holness, ON, PC, MP, Prime Minister of Jamaica and Leader of the Jamaica Labour Party; the Honourable Mark Golding, MP, Leader of the Opposition People’s National Party; the Honourable Earl Jarrett, OJ, CD, JP, Chairman of the Electoral Commission of Jamaica; Mr. Glasspole Brown, Director of the Electoral Commission of Jamaica; Mr. Warren Clarke, OD, pjsc, psc, Deputy Commissioner of Police; and Bishop the Rev’d Christine Gooden Benguche of the Jamaica Council of Churches together with Rev’d Courtney Gordon and members of the Jamaica United Group of Churches.
Polling Day Observations
On Polling Day, six (6) teams were deployed to observe in 36 constituencies, across 12 parishes. The teams visited two hundred and sixty (260) polling stations and monitored the day’s activities by observing the opening of the poll, the voting process, the closing of the poll, and the counting of ballots.
The Mission noted that all materials and supplies needed were present at the stations in the required quantities. For the most part, Polling Stations were opened on time and voting commenced promptly at 7:00 a.m. at the stations in which the opening was observed. All stations were fully staffed, and most had representatives of the political parties contesting in the various constituencies. The teams noted that representatives of the two major political parties were present in all areas observed. Polling Stations were conveniently located and accessible to the electorate.
Adequate security was in place at all locations, with the officers displaying a very professional approach which contributed to the level of calm that accompanied the day’s activities. Throughout the day, the poll workers remained resolute and steadily carried out the required procedures, ensuring that electors who turned out were able to register their vote.
The Mission observed that the Electronic Voter Identification System (EVIS) machines generally performed effectively throughout polling stations where deployed. While in some stations there were technical issues, the EOJ’s contingency planning appeared to ensure continuity in operations, enabling voters to exercise their franchise without impediment.
Election Centre Operations
The Chief of Mission also had the opportunity to visit the Election Centre of the Electoral Commission of Jamaica (ECJ) on Polling Day. The Mission observed that the Centre functioned effectively as the central hub for monitoring electoral operations nationwide. The atmosphere reflected a high level of collaboration and cooperation between the Electoral Office of Jamaica (EOJ) and the wide range of stakeholders present, including representatives of the security forces, political parties, and civil society. Issues raised throughout the day were addressed in a timely and coordinated manner, demonstrating the ECJ’s commitment to transparency, responsiveness, and the smooth conduct of the electoral process.
Overall Assessment and Conclusion
The Mission’s general assessment of the day’s activities is that the voters were able to cast their ballots without intimidation or harassment, and that the results of the General Elections of 3 September 2025 reflected the will of the people of Jamaica and reinforced their commitment to the democratic process.
Congratulations are extended to the hardworking and dedicated staff of the Electoral Commission of Jamaica, the poll workers, the political parties and their candidates, the security forces, and the people of Jamaica for the mature way in which the elections were conducted and the high level of discipline displayed throughout the process. Jamaicans must be commended for the conduct of a peaceful elections process.
The Mission’s full Report will be prepared and submitted to the Secretary‑General of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Dr. Carla Barnett. This Report will include the findings of the Mission and its recommendations and suggestions for continued strengthening of the electoral process in Jamaica.
The CARICOM Election Observation Mission wishes to thank the leaders of the political parties, civil society groups, other stakeholders, the media, and the people of Jamaica for their warm welcome and cooperation which contributed to the success of this endeavour.
FERN NARCIS
CHIEF OF MISSION
CARICOM ELECTION OBSERVATION MISSION
4 SEPTEMBER 2025
