How often are elections held in Jamaica?
Jamaica’s political democracy is, like most, based on the British parliamentary system with HM Queen Elizabeth 2nd as head of state. The Queen is represented in Jamaica by a Governor-General who has the constitutional power to, on the advise of the elected Representatives, dissolve parliament and precipitate a general election. The maximum life of a Parliament is five years, at the end of which Parliament must be dissolved and a general election held. However, the Prime Minister may advise the Governor-General to dissolve Parliament at any time within the five years and name a date for a general election. Also, Parliament must be dissolved and a general election held if a majority of all the members of the House of Representatives supports a no-confidence motion against the Government.
