DECLARING that it is “all systems go” the Electoral Office of Jamaica (EOJ) says it is fully prepared as Jamaicans head to the polls today in the 2025 General Election, with more than 7,000 polling stations open across the island.

According to the EOJ, voting will take place in 7,294 polling stations across 2,153 locations islandwide. The polls will open at 7:00 this morning and close at 5:00 pm after which the preliminary counting of ballots will be conducted inside polling stations.

“We have completed the printing of ballots and voters’ lists and distributed ballot boxes and supplies. Returning officers commenced the meeting with their teams on Sunday, with the final set of briefings scheduled for today,” Director of Elections Glasspole Brown said in press release yesterday.

Brown also told the Jamaica Observer on Tuesday that the EOJ was in the final stages of preparation.

“We’re doing our final checks and checking everything to make sure everything is in place. But I think we should be really okay for tomorrow,” he said on the eve of the election.

Brown also explained that while the EOJ’s technical readiness was secure, much of the day’s safety relied on partnership with law enforcement.

“In terms of the security matter, we rely heavily on the support of the security forces, the JCF (Jamaica Constabulary Force) and the JDF (Jamaica Defence Force) and we have engaged a layperson to support them in terms of what we call the one-day policemen. We have every faith in the security force in terms of dealing with whatever security issues that might arise,” he said.

He further noted that election officials were addressing final details to ensure a smooth start.

“Honestly, we’re just doing our final checks to make sure everything is in place. So whatever there is, we seek to correct them for tomorrow morning,” said Brown.

The EOJ in its press release also confirmed that both local and international observers will be monitoring the elections. Citizens Action for Free & Fair Elections will lead the domestic observer mission, while delegations from the Organization of American States, Caricom, the European Union, the British High Commission, and the United States Embassy will provide international oversight.

Oversight will also be strengthened through the Election Centre, which serves as a hub for receiving and validating reports of incidents at polling locations. The centre will coordinate responses and issue updates to the media where necessary. In addition, the Constituted Authority — an independent oversight mechanism with the power to halt or void an election if irregularities are deemed severe — will be in place, as required by law, once an election notice is issued.

A total of 190 candidates have been nominated — 184 contesting the General Election and six vying in Local Government by-elections. Four registered political parties are participating: the Jamaica Labour Party, the People’s National Party, Jamaica Progressive Party, and the United Independents’ Congress.

The EOJ is urging electors who remain uncertain about their polling station to check online at
www.ecj.com.jm using the “Check my status” tool, or to call the toll-free helpline at 888-991-VOTE (8683). Constituency offices are also open to provide assistance.

BROWN… we have completed the printing of ballots and voters’ lists and distributed ballot boxes and supplies

Voters who are uncertain about their polling station can check the Electoral Office of Jamaica website www.ecj.com.jm using the “Check my status” tool, or call the toll-free helpline at 888-991-VOTE (8683).