Minor candidates sway tight race
Published:Thursday | September 4, 2025 | 11:59 AM
Minor political parties played a potentially decisive role in at least two key constituencies during Jamaica’s 2025 general election, with their influence felt in several others where margins were razor-thin.
In Kingston Central and St Mary South Eastern, third-party candidates earned more votes than the margins separating candidates from the country’s two major parties – the People’s National Party (PNP) and the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP). These results underscore the growing relevance of smaller parties in shaping electoral outcomes.
In Kingston Central, the PNP’s Steve McGregor narrowly defeated the JLP’s Donavan Williams by just 12 votes – 4,739 (49.94%) to 4,727 (49.82%). Garth Barnett of the United Independents’ Congress (UIC) secured 23 votes (0.24%). While small, Barnett’s share exceeded the margin of victory, raising questions about whether his candidacy altered the final result.
A similar dynamic played out in St Mary South Eastern, where Norman Dunn of the JLP lost to the PNP’s Christopher Brown by 11 votes – 6,642 (49.94%) to 6,631 (49.86%). Mark Hutchinson of the Jamaica Progressive Party (JPP) earned 26 votes (0.20%).
With a margin of just 11 votes, Hutchinson’s presence may have influenced the final outcome. Observers note that without his candidacy, those votes could have tipped toward the party more closely aligned with his platform.
Several other constituencies also experienced tight contests between the PNP and JLP without any third-party presence.
For example, in Portland Eastern, Isat Buchanan (PNP) defeated Ann-Marie Vaz (JLP) by 135 votes – 8,316 to 8,181. Over in Trelawny Northern, Tova Hamilton (JLP) edged out Wykeham McNeil (PNP) by 148 votes – 7,894 to 7,746.
In these cases, the absence of third-party candidates meant the winners secured their seats without vote splitting.
Given the decisive influence of minor party candidates in Kingston Central and St Mary South Eastern – and the close margins elsewhere – third parties may find strategic opportunities in future elections. Targeting marginal constituencies such as St. Andrew West Central, Portland Eastern, and Trelawny Northern could allow them to play a kingmaker role or elevate their policy platforms.