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St. Vincent Opposition Wins Landslide, Ending Gonsalves’ 24-Year Rule

Preliminary tallies position Godwin Friday to take office, signaling a review of economic priorities plus diplomatic ties.

Overview

  • Preliminary results show the New Democratic Party winning 14 of 15 constituencies, breaking the Unity Labour Party’s two-decade hold on power.
  • Ralph Gonsalves kept his seat but stands as the ULP’s only elected member after the party’s worst showing since taking office in 2001.
  • NDP leader Godwin Friday declared victory and began preparing to form a government as regional leaders offered congratulations and officials move to certify results.
  • The NDP’s platform centers on creating jobs, raising wages, improving security and healthcare, upgrading infrastructure, and launching a citizenship-by-investment program.
  • The outcome has renewed scrutiny of the country’s relationship with Taiwan given the NDP’s earlier openness to closer ties with China.