Jamaica Enabling Environment Snapshot

Reporting period: August 2025 to May 2026

Jamaica’s enabling environment for civil society is supported by a democratic framework and protected by the 2011 Charter of Fundamental Rights and Freedoms. The country held general elections on 3 September 2025, with the incumbent Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) securing a third term under Prime Minister Andrew Holness (approximately 35 seats vs. 28 for the PNP).

According to the UNDP’s recently launched Democracy and Development Report 2026, Jamaica maintains its position as the top-ranked country in the Caribbean for electoral democracy. The report highlights the region as the most democratic among developing areas, while noting growing pressures on democratic institutions.

Political tensions have eased somewhat after the election, but risks of intimidation, disinformation, and reputational attacks remain for advocacy-focused groups. 

A Joint Select Committee was convened pre-general election, focused on reviewing constitutional amendments (including republic-related reforms), with Civil Society Organisation (CSO) input limited to written submissions. Efforts are being made from civil society, including the media, to encourage the government to resume the constitutional reform process given its importance to areas such as citizen participation, press freedom, broad governance, and fundamental rights and freedoms.