Jamaica’s political stage narrows to a sprint as Nomination Day unfolds, setting the field for the September 3 General Election. Nearly 180 candidates are projected to step forward, locking in their bid to lead the country through one of the most anticipated elections in recent years.
Full Slates from the Majors, Rising Voices from the Fringe
The governing Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) and the opposition People’s National Party (PNP) are each expected to present the maximum 63 candidates, ensuring every constituency has a clash between the nation’s two traditional titans.
Emerging force Jamaica Progressive Party (JPP), working in alliance with the Jamaica First Movement (JFM), has indicated it will nominate about 60 contenders, signaling intent to disrupt the usual two-party dominance. Several independents, including colorful activist Derrick “Black X” Robinson, are also set to test their appeal.
Mechanics of Nomination
Nomination centres open from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. Each aspiring MP must present a signed form backed by at least 10 electors from their constituency and pay the $15,000 nomination fee — in cash. By-election candidates for the four Kingston divisions (Chancery Hall, Olympic Gardens, Seiveright Gardens, and Denham Town) will follow a similar but scaled process, requiring six signatures and a $3,000 cash fee.
The Electoral Office of Jamaica (EOJ) has warned there will be no exceptions: no cheques, no card payments. Tradition suggests JLP candidates will favor crisp $5,000 bills carrying the likeness of former Labour prime ministers Donald Sangster and Hugh Shearer. For PNP nominees, the symbolic gesture is less clear-cut, as no current banknote exclusively features one of its past leaders.
The Leaders’ Stations
Prime Minister Andrew Holness will formalize his candidacy at Waltham Educational Centre, solidifying his defense of the St Andrew West Central seat. Opposition Leader Mark Golding, meanwhile, will head to Lyndhurst Methodist Church to secure his nomination for St Andrew Southern.
Who Can Stand?
The EOJ has clarified the qualifications:
- General Election: Candidates must be Jamaican citizens or Commonwealth citizens resident in Jamaica for at least 12 months, aged 21 or older, and free of disqualifying factors such as bankruptcy, dual citizenship outside the Commonwealth, or public office service.
- Local By-Elections: Candidates must reside in the parish for at least one year and have no conflicted contractual dealings with the local authority.
Certain categories — members of the Defence Force, public officers, under-18s, and non-Commonwealth dual citizens — remain barred from candidacy.
Final Stretch Begins
With the formalities closing today, the battle lines for September 3 are drawn. The next two weeks will determine whether the election follows Jamaica’s familiar two-party script or whether smaller movements and independents can wedge themselves into the national conversation.
