KINGSTON (JIS) -- The Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) has won the general election, which was held on February 25. Preliminary results show that the JLP, led by Mr. Andrew Holness, has won 33 seats, while the People’s National Party (PNP), led by Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Portia Simpson Miller, won 30 seats. In the 2011 general election the JLP won 21 seats, while the PNP won 42 seats. In his victory speech at the JLP’s headquarters on Belmont Road, Mr. Holness thanked the people of Jamaica for the victory. “It has been a long and arduous journey. We have carried a message of hope, that Jamaica can be a better place and the people have accepted the message,” he said.
Mr. Holness said this is not the end of the journey, and gave a commitment to lead a responsive Government that is accountable to the Jamaican people.
“We are under no illusions as to the ability of the Jamaican people to hold their Government to account. We have a team, and all members are committed to serving you,” he said.
Mr. Holness pledged that the new Government will be faithful to plans to grow the economy and create jobs, while balancing the country’s fiscal accounts.
“What it takes are men and women, who are willing to be faithful to the cause of growing Jamaica. What it takes is a team that is willing to try new, innovative and creative ways to solve the problems of Jamaica and I commit to bringing new, creative and innovative solutions to the challenges faced in Jamaica,” Mr. Holness said.
He hailed the strength of Jamaica’s democracy, and acknowledged the work of the Electoral Commission of Jamaica and the Election Day workers, as well as members of the country’s security forces in ensuring a peaceful and successful general election.
Mrs. Simpson Miller, in her concession speech, commended the JLP for winning the election.
She thanked supporters and urged them to work towards the development of the country.
“Let us now unite for a cause and for a purpose,” she said, while also commending the Cabinet Ministers for a hard fought election.
Mrs. Simpson Miller also hailed members of the security forces and the Election Day workers for their commitment to making the day a success.
This is the 17th general election to be held in the country since Universal Adult Suffrage in 1944.