Jamaica Elections 2025: PNP’s 12-vote win overturned as JLP’s Donovan Williams emerges victorious

Jamaica: What was once celebrated as a decisive win for the People’s National Party’s (PNP) dramatically shifted in favor of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) after a full recount of the Kingston Central constituency ballots.

According to sources the initial results from the September 3 General Election suggested a narrow victory for the PNP with their candidate Steve McGregor being ahead by 12 votes, with a vote count of a total of 4,739 votes while the JLP’s Donovan Williams polled a total of 4,727 votes.

Retired policeman Steve McGregor of the People's National Party has won Kingston Central from the Jamaica Labour Party by 12 votes. He polled 4,739 votes to hold off Donovan Williams (4,727) who was seeking re-election. #wicnews #jamaica #jamaicaelections2025 pic.twitter.com/UwWugomigP

— WIC News (@WIC_News) September 4, 2025

The preliminary results showcased PNP’s  McGregor as the winner, winning with only 12 votes ahead of Williams in the September 3 elections although following an official recount by the the Electoral Office of Jamaica (EOJ) revealed that it is JLP’s Williams had secured 4,832 votes while McGregor got a total of 4,753 marking Williams with 79 more votes and the elected candidate of the Central Kingston seat.

The victory of JLP’s candidate Donovan Williams by the EOJ gives the JLP a 35–28 seat advantage in the House of Representative as the Parliament is soon set to start for its third term.

“I always knew that I am the winner, it was just a matter of time” with a relieved look on his face Williams expressed that he felt satisfied and accomplished as he now knows that the official results have been certified. Meanwhile McGregor was nowhere to be seen at the counting centre.

Following the official announcement by the EOJ,  PNP's supporters' cheers faded into silence as the overturn of the results was announced citing victory for the JLP supporters. As the official announcement was met with deep sorrow from the PNP’S side and jubilant victory from the JLP’s side.

The final results out of Central Kingston, further solidifies JLP’s hold on Parliament as the country continues to prepare for the start of the third term.