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Angus Reid Global Monitor : Election Tracker
Grenada
Credit:Flag courtesy of ITA's Flags of All Countries used with permission.
Election Date: November 27, 2003
Abstract: At stake: House of RepresentativesAt stake: House of Representatives
Background
The Caribbean territory of Grenada attained independence from the United Kingdom in 1974. Eric Gairy—founder of the Grenada United Labour Party (GULP)—became the country's first prime minister.
In 1979, Maurice Bishop led a revolt and became the de-facto leader until he was ousted and executed four years later by former allies, led by Hudson Austin.
The actions of Austin's Revolutionary Council resulted in a United States-led invasion in October 1983. Democratic elections returned the following year.
The events surrounding Austin's coup have marked Grenada. An Amnesty International report alleged that 17 people said to have carried out killings were tried in violation of international standards. A Truth and Reconciliation Commission has studied the matter since 2001, but no report was issued before the parliamentary election.
Grenada has enjoyed some financial stability due to tourism and offshore banking. The country is considered to have one of the fastest-growing economies in the area, although poverty is still rampant.
Current prime minister Keith Mitchell has served since 1995, and his New National Party (NNP) won every seat in the 1999 election. Mitchell chose the 20th Anniversary of Bishop's death to call the vote.
Final results narrowly gave Mitchell a third term, as the NNP captured eight seats, with the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) winning the remaining seven.
The NDC requested recounts in the constituencies of Petit Martinique and St. Patrick West, won by the NNP by narrow margins of seven and 11 votes respectively. No results were reversed.
Political Players
Queen: Elizabeth II
Governor-General: Daniel Williams
Prime minister: Keith Mitchell - NNP
Legislative Branch: The Parliament has two chambers. The House of Representatives has 15 members, elected to five-year terms in single-seat constituencies. The Senate has 13 appointed members.
Results of Last Election:
House of Representatives - Nov. 27, 2003
Vote% | Seats | |
New National Party (NNP) | 49.8% | 8 |
National Democratic Congress (NDC) | 45.1% | 7 |
Grenada United Labour Party (GULP) | 3.2% | -- |
People Labour Movement (PLM) | 2.2% | -- |
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