The latest national survey commissioned by RJRGLEANER Communications Group shows Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness holding a slim two-point favourability lead over Opposition Leader Mark Golding, but with a sharply increased unfavourability rating of 37 per cent. Political analysts link the rise in negative perception to ongoing issues with the Integrity Commission, particularly the contents of the affidavit by Craig Beresford, the commission’s director of information and complaints.

Gap closes

Holness marginally ahead as Golding makes up ground in favourability

Jamaica Gleaner/17 Aug 2025/Kimone Francis Senior Staff Reporter

PRIME MINISTER Dr Andrew Holness holds a slim lead over Opposition Leader Mark Golding in public favourability, according to the latest national survey commissioned by the RJRGLEANER Communications Group. However, Holness also carries a significantly higher unfavourability rating, a concern one analyst links to ongoing issues with the Integrity Commission.

The poll was carried out by the Don Anderson-led Market Research Services Limited between August 2 and 11 among 1,008 registered voters aged 18 and over.

It shows 41 per cent of respondents view Holness favourably, compared to 39 per cent for Golding – a mere two-percentage point gap, which falls within the poll’s ±3 per cent margin of error at the 95 per cent confidence level.

In June 2025, Holness was viewed favourably by 38 per cent of respondents, while Golding stood at 30 per cent, suggesting the gap has narrowed sharply over the past two months.

While Holness leads marginally in favourability, 37 per cent of respondents now view him unfavourably, up from 30 per cent in June. For Golding, unfavourability rose from 22 per cent to 27 per cent.

GROWING VOTER INTEREST

Twenty-two per cent (down from 32 per cent in June) of those polled formed no opinion of the prime minister, while 34 per cent (down from 47 per cent) expressed none on Golding – both lower than in June, indicating growing voter interest or awareness.

Anderson described Holness’ edge as “negligible”, pointing out that when both favourable and unfavourable ratings are weighed, Holness has a net favourability of just +4 per cent, compared to Golding’s +12 per cent. “Holness’ favourability rating was best reflected among females (44 per cent) and persons in the 45-54 age group. Golding, on the other hand, received the highest rating among males (41 per cent),” said Anderson.

Dr Christopher Charles, a professor of political and social psychology at The University of the West Indies, Mona, said the leaders’ favourability ratings must be understood within the context of the Westminster system that Jamaica embraces.

According to Charles, because Holness is the head of the Government and leads the policy process, which amounts to more roles and functions, he is expected to have higher favourability compared to Golding, who has much less to do.

“Holness and the JLP should be worried because with the flurry of policy announcements since January 2025 and the many touted achievements since 2020, Holness is only two percentage points ahead of Golding in terms of favourability,” he told The Sunday Gleaner.

The university lecturer said the figures amount to “an impressive showing” by Golding, which should redound to the advantage of the PNP, and are likely to be evident in the poll findings on the party standings.

While both leaders’ unfavourable ratings have increased, Charles said the prime minister’s stems from the JLP’s attack on the Integrity Commission, and the “damning” contents of the affidavit of Craig Beresford, the commission’s director of information and complaints.

“There is not much Holness can do at this very late stage in the election cycle to decrease his unfavourable ratings and increase his favourability because generally, the majority of voters, by this time, have made up their minds about which leader and party they are going to vote for,” said Charles.

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