ST. GEORGE’S, Grenada — The Grenada general election on Thursday, Nov. 5, will determine whether Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell secures a second term, as voters across Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique choose their next government.
All 15 elected seats in the House of Representatives are being contested. A party needs eight seats to secure a parliamentary majority.
Mitchell’s governing National Democratic Congress won nine seats in the June 2022 election, defeating the New National Party, which secured six. This year’s vote follows the dissolution of Parliament on Oct. 2, ahead of the end of its normal term in 2027.
The NDC faces the New National Party, led by Emmalin Pierre, and the Democratic People’s Movement, headed by former Foreign Affairs Minister Peter David, among other parties contesting seats.
More than 97,000 people are registered to vote, according to The Associated Press.
AP reported that Mitchell has pledged to modernize the economy, strengthen health services and reduce youth unemployment. David has promised to create jobs, improve medical care and strengthen domestic food production.
Pierre is leading the NNP’s effort to return to government following its defeat in 2022. She is the first woman to lead the party into a general election, succeeding former Prime Minister Keith Mitchell as its political leader.
The NDC and NNP are each fielding candidates in all 15 constituencies, while David’s Democratic People’s Movement is contesting nine.
The opposition party’s closing campaign activities included a Nov. 1 gospel rally, bringing supporters together for prayer and worship ahead of polling day.
International scrutiny accompanies Grenada general election
CARICOM and the Organization of American States have deployed election observation missions to assess the electoral process.
CARICOM’s 11-member delegation is headed by Herman St. Helen, chief elections officer of the Saint Lucia Electoral Department, according to its election observation statement. Guyana Elections Commission member Sase Gunraj serves as deputy chief of mission.
Before election day, the delegation held consultations with political parties, police and media representatives. Its assessment covers the opening of polling stations, voting, ballot counting, the declaration of results and the immediate post-election atmosphere.
The OAS mission is led by former St. Kitts and Nevis Ambassador Sherry Tross. It is the organization’s ninth electoral observation mission to Grenada, where it has observed elections since 1984.
CARICOM plans to issue its preliminary assessment on Friday, Nov. 6. A detailed report containing its findings and recommendations will subsequently be submitted to Secretary-General Carla Barnett and made public.
