Grenadian general election, 2008

Infobox Election
election_name = Grenadian general election, 2008
country = Grenada
type = parliamentary
ongoing = no
previous_election = Grenadian general election, 2003
previous_year = 2003
next_election =
next_year =
seats_for_election = All 15 seats to the House of Representatives of Grenada
election_date = July 8, 2008


leader1 = Tillman Thomas
party1 = National Democratic Congress (Grenada)
leaders_seat1 =
last_election1 = 7 seats, 45.6%
seats1 = 11
seat_change1 = +4
popular_vote1 = 29,007
percentage1 = 50.97%
swing1 = +5.4%


leader2 = Keith Mitchell
party2 = New National Party (Grenada)
leaders_seat2 =
last_election2 = 8 seats, 48.0%
seats2 = 4
seat_change2 = –4
popular_vote2 = 27,189
percentage2 = 47.77%
swing2 = –0.2%

title = PM
before_election = Keith Mitchell
before_party = New National Party (Grenada)
after_election = Tillman Thomas
after_party = National Democratic Congress (Grenada)

A general election was held in Grenada on 8 July 2008.Out of a total of fifteen seats, the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) won eleven seats and the governing New National Party (NNP) won four seats, thus bringing the NDC to power for the first time since 1995. [http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/07/09/news/CB-POL-Grenada-Elections.php "New Grenada prime minister vows to boost economy, lower cost of living"] , Associated Press ("International Herald Tribune"), July 9, 2008.] The NNP was looking for a fourth consecutive term in power, which would have been a first in Grenadian history. [cite news|url=http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/html/20080710T000000-0500_137709_OBS_GRENADA_OPPOSITION_WINS_GENERAL_ELECTION.asp|title=Grenada opposition wins general election|publisher=Jamaica Observer|accessdate=2008-07-10|date=2008-07-10]

Campaigning

In its election manifesto, which it debuted on June 25 2008, the NNP promised the creation of 4,000 jobs, along with 4% growth in the economy. [http://www.angus-reid.com/polls/view/31110/ruling_party_leads_all_in_grenada "Ruling Party Leads All in Grenada"] , Angus Reid Global Monitor, June 29, 2008.]

Pre-election polling

A poll conducted by the Caribbean Development Research Services from June 6 to June 9 showed the NNP with 36.4% support, the NDC with 32.3% support, the Grenada United Labour Party (GULP) with 1.1% support, and the People's Labour Movement (PLM) with 0.8% support.

Reactions to the election

The Organization of American States (OAS) observed the elections, and it described "the electoral process in Grenada during the General Elections as extremely positive, with relatively few areas that could be improved." [cite news|url=http://www.caribbeannetnews.com/news-9039--32-32--.html|title=OAS observers report few problems with Grenada election process
publisher=Carribean Net News|accessdate=2008-07-10|date=2008-07-10] All of the polling sites were observed, and voters were calm and well-behaved.

A political party in nearby Dominica, the People's Democratic Movement, attributed the victory to Mitchell's "arrogance, intolerance to criticism and lack of consultation with the people" during his time in office. [cite news|url=http://dominicanewsonline.com/default.asp?sourceid=&smenu=1&twindow=&mad=&sdetail=688&wpage=1&skeyword=&sidate=&ccat=&ccatm=&restate=&restatus=&reoption=&retype=&repmin=&repmax=&rebed=&rebath=&subname=&pform=&sc=2554&hn=dominicanewsonline&he=.com|title=Talks of Grenada's election buzzing in Dominica|publisher=Dominica News Online|accessdate=2008-07-10|date=2008-07-10]

wearing in of Thomas, Cabinet formation

NDC leader Tillman Thomas succeeded the NNP's Keith Mitchell as Prime Minister of Grenada on July 9.George Worme, [http://www.nationnews.com/story/117373983578346.php "Thomas wins by a landslide in Grenada"] , "The Nation" (Barbados), July 10, 2008.] He was sworn in at the Grenada Trade Centre in Grand Anse, St. George's by Governor-General Daniel Williams. On this occasion, Thomas promised "openness and transparency" and said that he would practice "the politics of inclusion". For his part, Mitchell said that the people voted for change and congratulated Thomas. Thomas's cabinet, composed of 17 members, was sworn in at the National Stadium on July 13. In addition to being Prime Minister, Thomas took the portfolios of Legal Affairs, National Security, Information, and Public Administration. Two members of non-governmental organizations who were not affiliated with the NDC were included in the cabinet: Franca Bernadine as Minister of Education and Human Resources, and Jimmy Bristol as Attorney-General. [Linda Straker, [http://www.caribbeanworldnews.com/middle_top_news_detail.php?mid=1063 "Seventeen Member Cabinet Appointed in Grenada"] , CaribWorldNews, July 14, 2008.]

Results

In one notable outcome of the election, Deputy Prime Minister Gregory Bowen of the NNP was defeated in his constituency of St. George South East by Pastor Karl Hood of the NDC. Mitchell was re-elected from the constituency of St. George North West. [ [http://www.grenadabroadcast.com/content/view/2818/1/ "A DECISIVE VICTORY: LET THERE BE NO DOUBT"] , GrenadaBroadcast.com.] Complete results are as follows: [cite news|url=http://www.caribbeannetnews.com/news-9056--32-32--.html|title=New prime minister of Grenada sworn in|publisher=Carribean Net News|accessdate=2008-07-10|date=2008-07-10]

References