KINGSTOWN, St. Vincent, CMC – Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves announced Tuesday night that November 27 is the date for the general elections in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Speaking at the ruling Unity Labor Party’s (ULP) “Labor Strong Rally”, Gonsalves said that the 15-seat Parliament has been dissolved and that Nomination Day is in November. 10.
“It is now decision time for our free and democratic people in free and fair elections for you to choose between the ULP and the NDP (New Democratic Party),” Gonsalves said.
The ULP is seeking an unprecedented sixth consecutive term in office. The ULP had won a historic fifth consecutive five-year term by a 9-6 margin in 2020, when the party won North Leeward by one vote after a contentious recount.
However, in 2020, the party also lost the popular vote for the first time since 1998.
“And the NDP, you’re listening to me: Hear me well. As a boy from the country, I tell you, it ain’t long rope that does heng (hang) cattle; it’s short rope, and the rope is getting shorter and shorter,” said the 79-year-old Gonsalves.
Gonsalves’ main challenge will come from the NDP, led by the 66-year-old Dr. Godwin Friday, who has represented the Northern Grenadines since 2001 and is making his second bid to become prime minister.
In 2020, Friday failed in his first attempt to lead the NDP to victory, almost four years after taking over the reins of the party.
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