Jamaica
Election results
Data on parliamentary elections, including the background, candidates, voter turnout, results and the formation of the new legislature. By default the latest election results are displayed. Select a date to view results from previous elections
Background
Election date(s)
The date when elections started and ended for directly or indirectly elected parliaments/chambers. The date of appointments for appointed parliaments/chambers.
25.02.2016
Date of dissolution of the outgoing legislature
Date at which the previous legislature (elected at the previous elections) was dissolved.
05.02.2016
Timing of election
Timing of election: Upon normal expiry; Early elections; Delayed elections
Early election
Number of seats at stake
Number of seats contested at the elections. Where the parliament/chamber is fully renewed, this number is usually identical to the statutory number of members. Where the parliament/chamber is partially renewed or appointed, the number of seats at stake is usually less than the total number of members.
63
Scope of elections
Scope of elections: Full renewal; Partial renewal.
Full renewal
Candidates
Total number of candidates
Total number of people who registered as candidates for election. Does not include people who stood as candidates to become "substitute members".
152
Number of male candidates
Number of male candidates
126
Number of female candidates
Number of female candidates
26
Percentage of women candidates
The percentage is calculated by dividing the number of women candidates by the total number of candidates.
17.11%
Number of parties contesting the election
This field may include either the number of parties contesting the election, or the number of coalitions/electoral alliance.
6
Voter turnout
Registration
Number of people registered to vote
1,824,412
Votes
Number of people who actually voted
882,389
Voter turnout
The percentage is calculated by dividing the number of people who actually voted by the number of people registered to vote
48.37%
Results
About the election
Short description of the context and results of the election.
The Jamaica Labour Party (JLP), led by former Prime Minister Andrew Holness, regained power after four years in opposition, winning the smallest majority in Jamaica's history. After a recount of the vote, the JLP took 32 seats in the 63-member House of Representatives, one more than outgoing Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller's People's National Party (PNP). On 3 March, Mr. Holness was sworn in as the new Prime Minister.
Ms. Simpson Miller had implemented an austerity plan as part of a $1.27 billion IMF bailout agreement during her time as the country's first woman Prime Minister. Inflation hit a 48-year low during her tenure. During the election campaign, the PNP ran on the government's record, pledging to continue to work for security, progress and development for all. The JLP announced a 10-point plan, focusing on economic growth, job creation and tax reforms.
Ms. Simpson Miller had implemented an austerity plan as part of a $1.27 billion IMF bailout agreement during her time as the country's first woman Prime Minister. Inflation hit a 48-year low during her tenure. During the election campaign, the PNP ran on the government's record, pledging to continue to work for security, progress and development for all. The JLP announced a 10-point plan, focusing on economic growth, job creation and tax reforms.
Number of parties winning seats
The number of parties which won parliamentary representation in the given election.
2
Percentage of parties winning seats
The percentage is calculated by dividing the number of parties which won parliamentary representation by the number of parties contesting the election.
33.33%
Percentage of seats won by largest party or coalition
The percentage is calculated by dividing the number of seats won by the largest party by the number of seats at stake in the election.
50.79%
Alternation of power after elections
The results of the elections caused a change in the government. "Not applicable" to countries using the presidential system when parliamentary and presidential elections are held separately, to countries in political transition or where there is no party system.
Yes
Number of parties in government
The government may be formed by one or more political parties
1
Names of parties in government
The government may be formed by one or more political parties
Jamaica Labour Party (JLP)
Parties or coalitions winning seats
| Political group | Total |
|---|---|
| Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) | 32 |
| People's National Party (PNP) | 31 |
Members elected, by sex
Number of men elected
52
Number of women elected
11
Percentage of women elected
The percentage is calculated by dividing the number of women elected in the election and the number of seats at stake at the election.
17.46%
Sources
House of Representatives (03.03.2016)
https://ecj.com.jm/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/2016GeneralElectionSummary.pdf
Electoral Commission of Jamaica
Jamaica Observer
https://ecj.com.jm/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/2016GeneralElectionSummary.pdf
Electoral Commission of Jamaica
Jamaica Observer
Women Directly Elected
11
New legislature
Total number of men after the election
The total number of male parliamentarians in this parliament/chamber following the election or renewal, regardless of their modes of designation.
52
Total number of women after the election
The total number of female parliamentarians in this parliament/chamber following the election or renewal, regardless of their modes of designation.
11
First-term parliamentarians
The number of members who are assuming their parliamentary mandate for the first time following the election or renewal, regardless of their mode of designation.
9
Date of the first session
The date when the newly elected parliament/chamber was convened for the first time. It may be different from the date when members were sworn in.
10.03.2016
First Speaker of the new legislature
First Speaker of the new legislature
First name of the Speaker of the new legislature following the election or renewal.
Pearnel
Charles
(Male)
Political party
Jamaica Labour Party (JLP)
Date of election
10.03.2016