The constitutional challenge brought by People’s National Party (PNP) candidate Paul Buchanan against Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness’ victory in the September 2025 general election is set to proceed to trial in February 2027.
The Supreme Court has scheduled the matter for February 8, 9 and 10 before the Constitutional Court, following a ruling by Justice David Batts on Tuesday, November 3. The judge agreed with submissions from Buchanan’s attorney, Hugh Wildman, that the case raises constitutional issues requiring determination at trial.
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Buchanan is seeking to have the election result in the St Andrew West Central constituency declared void and a fresh poll ordered. Holness, who contested the seat for the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP), retained it with 7,054 votes to Buchanan’s 4,953.
The claim alleges several irregularities during the September 3, 2025 election, including double voting, voter intimidation and breaches of ballot security. Buchanan and co-claimant Everton Sands are also seeking damages for alleged violations of their constitutional rights.
Supporting affidavits reportedly raised concerns about voters receiving additional ballots after declaring their original ballots spoilt, threats against PNP polling agents and ballot boxes allegedly being left unattended during counting.
Sands also questioned the operation of the Electronic Voter Identification System, claiming some electors were turned away because their names could not be located on the voters’ list. He further alleged that ballot boxes were transported along unauthorised routes.
The claim is based on the Charter of Fundamental Rights and Freedoms, which guarantees the right to free and fair elections. Buchanan is seeking declarations that the election was illegal and void, an order for a new election, damages and legal costs.
The latest proceedings follow earlier unsuccessful attempts to challenge the result. The Constituted Authority rejected Buchanan’s initial application to have the election voided, while the Court of Appeal subsequently dismissed his challenge to that decision, citing the statutory time limit for election challenges.
Holness’ victory attracted public attention after he trailed Buchanan by just over 100 votes when 87 of the constituency’s 105 ballot boxes had been counted. The final 18 boxes shifted the outcome in the Prime Minister’s favour.
The allegations in the constitutional claim have not been established by the court. The February hearing will allow the parties to present their cases for determination.
