Grenada: Keith Mitchell and his New National Party re-elected after winning landslide poll victory

Grenada’s Prime Minister Keith Mitchell yesterday led his New National Party (NNP) to a landslide victory in the general election, making it the 3rd time he has achieved the feat in the country’s electoral politics.

The 71-year-old Mitchell, who led the NNP to a consecutive sweep following his 2013 victory, immediately called on the leadership of the main Opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) to be part of the social partners that will chart the way forward for the tri-island state.

“It feels good, the people of my country have shown the level of confidence in the way I have governed; it is a humbling experience,” Mitchell said after the preliminary results showed that the party had swept all the seats in Parliament.
“Whatever achievement we have had I first have to give thanks to Almighty God and the people of this country,” Mitchell said, adding that the election was the “most stress-free I have ever had in my 34 years in politics”.

Mitchell said that, unlike 2013 when he won the general election and had no idea as to the state of the local economy, this time around, “I don’t feel the pressure because I am in the seat and I know what the plans are. Therefore I feel very confident I will meet the aspirations of the people of this country,” he said, noting however that “to whom a lot is given, a lot is expected.”

Mitchell easily retained his St. George North West riding which he has been representing for more than 3 decades, defeating the NDC’s Alli Anthony Brian Dowden by a 2,546 to 406 margin.

Mitchell said he is convinced that if his administration is able to bring Grenadians, including all citizens that voted against his NNP together, then the country would be better off.

Prime Minister Mitchell who has previously indicated that this would be his last term has not given any indication as to the composition of his new Cabinet or when the members would be sworn in. -(CMC)