Historic landslide victory for Grenada’s ruling party

Grenada’s Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell strengthened his political grip on Thursday as the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) swept to a historic election victory and a second consecutive term in office.

Preliminary results showed the NDC winning 14 of the 15 seats, with the New National Party securing only St George North West.

The victory marks the first time since its founding in 1987 that the NDC has won back-to-back terms in government.

In a message following the results, the 49-year-old prime minister told Grenadians: “This is your victory. This is your making of history. This is your belief in yourself, because as Grenadians, we know what we want. We know what we deserve. And we know where we should be going and what type of future we want to create for ourselves.”

Preliminary reports from the Parliamentary Elections Office showed that 97 031 people were registered to vote and voter turnout was 63.3 per cent.

Eight parties contested the polls, five of which received fewer than 140 votes combined.

Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley congratulated Mitchell on his resounding electoral victory.

She said: “An overwhelming mandate is a powerful expression of trust. It brings with it the profound responsibility of honouring that trust through service to every citizen and steady work to fulfil the hopes of the people.

Barbados and Grenada share a deep friendship and a common commitment to the progress of our Caribbean. I look forward to continuing our close partnership, strengthening the bonds between our countries and advancing the interests of our people within our regional family and beyond.

Prime Minister Mitchell, I wish you, your team and the people of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique every success as you begin this new chapter together.”