The fourth General Parliamentary Elections were held in Jamaica on 28 July 1959 for all 45 seats in the House of Representatives. The number of seats was increased from 32 prior to the election.

Electoral System

The 45 members of the House of Representatives are elected in single-member constituencies by first-past-the-post voting. There is no fixed election date in effect in Jamaica at this time; hence, the choice of election date is the prerogative of the Chief Minister.

Background

Chief Minister, Norman Manley, announced the 28 July 1959 General Elections on 28 May 1959 in the House of Representatives. Elections were constitutionally due January 1960. Nomination Day was set for 6 July 1959.

The elections were to be held for a 45-member House of Representatives as provided for under the new Constitution — an increase of 13 over the then membership of thirty-two.

Political Parties & Candidates

A total of 93 candidates contested the election. The People's National Party (PNP) presented a full slate of 45 candidates; while the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) presented 44 candidates. There were also four candidates from minor parties.

Jamaica having gained Internal Self Government abolished the Council of Ministers and this was replaced by the Cabinet headed by the Premier the Hon. Norman Manley and 11 other Ministers chosen by the Premier and appointed by the Governor. 

Results

The result was a victory for the People's National Party, which won 29 of the 45 seats.

Voter Turnout

Voter turnout was 66.09%.