Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves Tuesday night announced November 27 s the date for the general elections in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
Speaking at the ruling Unity Labour Party’s (ULP) “Labour Strong Rally”, Gonsalves said that the 15-seat Parliament has been dissolved and that Nomination Day is 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 an 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 country, I tell you, it’s ain’t long rope that does heng (hang) cattle; is short rope, and the rope is getting shorter and shorter,” said the 79-year-old Gonsalves.
Gonsalves main challenge will come from the NDP, headed by the 66 year-old Dr. Godwin Friday who has been representing the Northern Grenadines since 2001,and his making his 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. (CMC)
