After months of speculating, it is now known that Grenadians will go to the polls on Tuesday, July 8 to elect a new government.
The long awaited election date was given Sunday night by Prime Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell during a public meeting of his ruling New National Party (NNP) at the Cuthbert Peter's Park in Gouyave, St. John's to launch his candidate, Fitzroy Bedeau, a former Commissioner of Police.
Bedeau will be contesting the St. John seat instead of the incumbent, Education Minister Claris Charles who has decided not to seek a third term. In addressing party faithful, Prime Minister Mitchell announced that Nomination Day will be June 18 and that police officers will cast their ballots on July 4, four days before the rest of the population.
Parliament was dissolved Tuesday and Governor-General, Sir Daniel Williams given the go-ahead to issue writs to the Supervisor of Elections for the poll.
The elections are seen as a straight fight between Mitchell's governing NNP and the main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) who will each field a full slate of 15 candidates.
Two other minority parties - the Grenada United Labour Party (GULP) and People's Labour Movement (PLM) - have signalled their intention to take part in the election.
Dr. Mitchell who spoke of being emotional in announcing the date for the poll used the occasion to speak about the accomplishment of his government. He said that the election "means so much to me" amidst speculation from analysts that the Grenadian leader might be mindful of an impending court matter against him in the United States with international fraudster, Eric Resteiner if he loses power.
Dr. Mitchell indicated that the upcoming elections is not just about a fourth term for his political party, but procuring the security, peace, stability and good order of the country. In a swift reaction to the announcement of the date for elections, the Congress party likened it to one that opened the way for there to be "finally light at the end of the tunnel", and providing an opportunity to end, "this long dark night of mismanagement and corruption" by the Mitchell regime.
NDC said that Grenadians have been praying long and hard for change, and the party believes that their prayers are about to be answered. According to the party it was not surprised with the announcement of the date since the island's economy was getting worse and that people's yearning for change was rising and that with finger-pointing already taking place within his party, Dr Mitchell found himself cornered and with no way to run.
NDC Leader Hon Tillman Thomas assured his supporters that the party was ready, and in full gear to lead the final push for victory. "All systems are in place to ensure that the party succeeds at the polls, and over the next few weeks the party will be intensifying its campaign in order to secure a convincing victory on Election Day", he remarked.
However Thomas cautioned that general elections are won on the day of voting, and called for vigilance "in protecting the sanctity of that vote in the lead up to elections day".
"We have a nation to rescue and to build together. But that process starts with all of us getting ready to vote on July 8", he added. The NNP leader is seeking an unprecedented fourth consecutive term in office and if successful could become the longest serving Prime Minister in the history of the Spice Isle.
