Loop
The bell has been rung in St Vincent and the Grenadines for the 2020 General Election.
Vincentians will go to the polls on November 5.
Like many other countries in the Caribbean it is being held against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic and with a short campaign season.
Here are five things to know as Vincentians prepare to exercise their franchise:
- Two main political parties
While the island has various political parties the two main contenders are the current administration, the Unity Labour Party (ULP) led by political leader Dr Ralph Gonsalves and the opposition New Democratic Party (NDP) led by Dr Godwin Friday.
- Dr Ralph Gonsalves seeking fifth consecutive term
Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves who leads the Unity Labour Party (ULP) is looking for victory at the polls and another five years in a row. Gonsalves who is 74 years-old, is the country’s fourth prime minister.
He won the past general elections of 2001, 2005, 2010 and 2015.
- History in the making
The 2020 General Election in St Vincent and the Grenadines will be a historical one.
Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves has been in power for 19 years. He took office on March 28, 2001. Should Gonsalves return he could become the longest serving prime minister in the Caribbean.
If not, the New Democratic Party (NDP) led by Dr Godwin Friday could break that winning streak and change the country’s course.
The last time the NDP won a general election was in 1998 under then political leader Sir James Mitchell.
- Breaking tradition
Under Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves, St Vincent and the Grenadines has traditionally gone to the polls in December.
General elections of the past under Gonsalves were held on December 7, 2005, December 13, 2010 and December 9, 2015.
In 2020, the general election date falls on November 5.
- COVID-19 and the polls
Many countries in the Caribbean held elections during the COVID-19 pandemic.
St Vincent and the Grenadines currently has no active COVID-19 cases.
However, the island is battling a dengue outbreak.