Jamaica

Jamaica is an independent Caribbean island nation and a Commonwealth realm with a parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy.

Jamaica is an independent Caribbean island nation and a Commonwealth realm with a parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy. Its political system follows the Westminster model, with the British monarch as head of state represented locally by a governor-general and a prime minister heading the government. The country gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1962.

Political system

Jamaica is a constitutional monarchy and parliamentary democracy. Executive authority is exercised by the government, legislative authority by Parliament, and the judiciary is separate from both branches. The 1962 Constitution established a parliamentary system based on the Westminster model.

Parliament

The Jamaican Parliament is bicameral, made up of the appointed Senate and the elected House of Representatives, with the Crown represented by the governor-general as a constitutional element. The monarch is head of state, while the governor-general performs mainly ceremonial functions and gives royal assent to bills.

Major political parties

The political landscape is dominated by the centre-left People’s National Party (PNP) and the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP), which is generally described as more conservative. These two parties have governed Jamaica since universal suffrage was introduced in 1944.

Elections and government

Jamaica holds periodic general elections under universal suffrage, and international observers have generally described recent elections as transparent and peaceful. General elections are generally held every five years and are typically assessed as free and fair. In 2025, Andrew Holness of the JLP led the party to a third term in office, having served as prime minister since 2016.