Third parties only weaken opposition, say political experts

Political analysts have poured cold water on the prospects of Barbados’ newest political party, suggesting that the steady rise of third-party movements may weaken any serious challenge to the ruling Barbados Labour Party (BLP).

The New National Party (NNP), formed by former Democratic Labour Party (DLP) candidate Kemar Stuart, joins a growing list of minor parties attempting to occupy a space many observers believe the DLP has failed to adequately fill.

Veteran political scientist Dr George Belle said while Barbados has seen attempts at third-party politics in the past, none have managed to break through in a meaningful way—and he does not expect Stuart’s effort to be any different.

“What we do know is it’s another third party, and third parties are difficult to do well in a strong two-party system,” Belle told Barbados TODAY on Tuesday.

“I can’t see a party like that doing very much or having much of an impact… If they attract people from a democratic third party, it would only weaken the opposition to the Barbados Labour Party because it would split the votes.”

He added that even if Stuart, with the NNP,  manages to gain a foothold, “it would be a pyrrhic victory” that ultimately dilutes the overall challenge to the government.

Belle also questioned the timing and motivation behind the formation of the new party, suggesting that Stuart’s move may be rooted in personal disappointment.

“I think his decision to establish a new party is a bit premature… Maybe he is a bit peeved because he didn’t get the St John pick, but he probably shouldn’t have expected so much.”

Regional pollster and political commentator Peter Wickham echoed those concerns, describing third-party formation as an “illogical” and mostly futile exercise.

“There is no logic to a third party. Running a political party is an expensive and time-consuming venture, and the benefits are really not realised unless one is able to win a seat,” he said.

“If it’s that you want to have a pressure group, that’s a different story… but the idea of forming a political party just to act as a pressure group doesn’t make a lot of sense.”

Wickham said he is baffled by the number of parties now popping up and believes they stem from disillusionment with the DLP.

“Ultimately, these parties are trying to occupy a space which they believe has been abandoned by the DLP… many feel that the DLP is a lost cause and that there may be an opportunity for a new party to capture that momentum. Frankly, I think these people are all deluded.”

He referred to the 1990s National Democratic Party (NDP), which he said garnered nearly 20 per cent of the national vote and won just one seat, as the most successful example—yet even that party fizzled shortly after.

Regarding Stuart, Wickham said: “Albeit naive, I think he is well intentioned and wants to make an impact on the politics of Barbados and for that reason I wish him well… but I know it’s not going anywhere in the same way that all the others haven’t.”

“If he is serious, he needs to run a candidate in St James North. That candidate will probably not do very well, but nonetheless that would send a signal of his seriousness,” the pollster added, referring to the by-election set for May 21.

shannamoore@barbadostoday.bb

Third Parties in Barbados

Barbados has long been dominated by two major political parties: the Barbados Labour Party (BLP) (formed on March 1, 1938) and the Democratic Labour Party (DLP) (established on April 27, 1955). While third parties and independents have periodically emerged, they have historically struggled to gain meaningful traction.

National Democratic Party (NDP): Established in 1989 by four former DLP members led by Richie Haynes, the NDP contested the 1991 general election, securing 6.8 per cent of the vote but no seats. In the 1994 election, the party increased its share to 12.8 per cent, winning a single seat. The NDP did not contest further elections and eventually dissolved.

Solutions Barbados: Founded on July 1, 2015, by structural engineer Grenville Phillips II, the party contested the 2018 general election with 28 candidates, securing 2.7 per cent of the vote but no seats.

United Progressive Party (UPP): Launched in February 2017 by attorney Lynnette Eastmond, the UPP participated in the 2018 general election, garnering 1.3 per cent of the vote without winning any seats.

People’s Party for Democracy and Development (PdP): Established on June 8 2019 by Bishop Joseph Atherley after leaving the BLP, the PdP served as the main opposition party until the 2022 general election, when it lost its sole seat.

Conservative Barbados Loyalist (CBL) Party: Formed in January 2025 and led by attorney Corey Beckles.

New National Party (NNP): Announced on April 28, 2025, by former DLP member Kemar Stuart.