New National Party (Grenada)

New National Party
Leader Keith Mitchell
Founded August 1984 (1984-08)
Merger of GNP, GDM, NDP
Ideology Conservatism[1]
Political position Centre-right
International affiliation International Democrat Union
Regional affiliation Caribbean Democrat Union
Colours Green
House of Representatives:
15 / 15
Senate:
7 / 13
Website
http://www.nnp.gd/

The New National Party is a conservative political party in Grenada. It is led by the current Prime Minister, Keith Mitchell.

The party was founded in August 1984 through the merger of the Grenada National Party, led by Herbert Blaize, the National Democratic Party, led by George Brizan, and the Grenada Democratic Movement (GDM), led by Francis Alexis.[2][3] Led by Blaize,[4] the NNP won 14 out of 15 seats in the December 1984 general election, and Blaize became Prime Minister.[3][4] Mitchell was elected as leader of the NNP in January 1989,[3][5] defeating Prime Minister Herbert Blaize.[3] In the 1990 general election, the NNP won two seats and was left in opposition.[3]

The party was victorious in the 1995 general election, winning eight out of 15 seats in the House of Representatives, and Mitchell became Prime Minister. After the NNP lost its majority due to the resignation of Raphael Fletcher, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, in November 1998, an early election was called for January 1999, the New National Party (NNP) won all seats. The NNP narrowly won a third term in power in the November 2003 election, reduced to a one-seat parliamentary majority.[3]

In the general election held on 27 November 2003, the party won 48.0% of the popular vote and 8 out of 15 seats. In the July 2008 general election, the party lost to the National Democratic Congress (NDC), winning four seats against 11 for the NDC. NDC leader Tillman Thomas succeeded Mitchell as Prime Minister of Grenada.

In the 19 February 2013 general election, the New National Party won all 15 seats. This was the second time a political party won all constituencies in a general election.

List of Leaders of the New National Party

Leader Portrait Nation of Birth Took Office Left Office
Herbert Blaize Carriacou August 1984 January 1989
Keith Mitchell Grenada January 1989 Incumbent

See also

References

  1. ↑ Mars, Perry (1998), Ideology and Change: The Transformation of the Caribbean Left, Wayne State University Press, p. 89
  2. ↑ "May 1988 - Internal political and economic developments", Keesing's Record of World Events, volume 34, May 1988, Grenada, page 35,888.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Political Parties of the World (6th edition, 2005), ed. Bogdan Szajkowski, page 265.
  4. 1 2 "Jan 1985 - General election and resumption of Parliament - Formation of Blaize government - Foreign relations Opening of airport - Start of murder trial", Keesing's Record of World Events, volume 31, January 1985, Grenada, page 33,327.
  5. ↑ "Jul 1989 - Grenada", Keesing's Record of World Events, volume 35, July 1989, Grenada, page 36,812.
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