Jamaica's Politician With the Longest Tenure: Andrew Holness

In a historic win, Andrew Holness has become the first leader to secure a third consecutive victory since Percival James Patterson, as the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) triumphed in the recent general elections.

Holness, who was elected as Prime Minister of Jamaica in 2011 at the age of 39, won his seat in the capital Kingston's St. Andrew West Central constituency with 7054 votes. However, the JLP did not secure a majority this time around, winning fewer seats than in 2020.

The traditionally high murder rate due to gang violence has decreased by 43% since the beginning of the year, a significant achievement that may have contributed to Holness's victory. Analysts most likely attributed the difference in voters supporting Holness to his record on some macroeconomic data and the decline in crime, although specific names of these analysts were not provided in the available sources.

Holness chose not to run in the traditional JLP stronghold of Tivoli Gardens in Kingston, a decision that marked a departure from the past when leaders like Bruce Golding and Edward Seaga, known as "CIAga," had run in the constituency.

Interestingly, Edward Seaga, a former JLP leader considered a US favorite in the 1980s, won two consecutive elections with the party. Seats in the Kingston parliament are allocated according to the Westminster model of the former British colonial power.

Voter turnout in the recent election was 39.5%, just 1.6 percentage points higher than the historical low under COVID-19 conditions in 2020. Many Jamaicans choose not to vote due to the perceived similarity between the two main parties, the JLP and the People's National Party (PNP).

In the 2020 parliamentary elections, the JLP won 49 out of 63 seats, a "tsunami victory." This time, the JLP won 34 seats, while the PNP secured 29 seats.

In his victory speech, Holness promised to continue his work for the country, citing the momentum, right direction, and right course set in their second term. He acknowledged the challenges ahead but expressed his commitment to addressing them.

The absence of other parties in the Kingston parliament signifies a two-party system, a situation that has been the norm in Jamaica for many years. This dynamic, coupled with the perceived similarities between the two main parties, may continue to influence voter behaviour in future elections.