Dates of last and next legislative elections: L. House 2003/2008
U. House 2003/2008

Head of state: H.M. Queen Elizabeth II

AT THE LAST ELECTION

Sir Eric Gairy dominated politics as prime minister until his overthrow in 1979. His successor, the charismatic socialist Maurice Bishop, was in turn deposed and then executed in 1983. This latter coup was the pretext for a US invasion, the primary motive of which was to end the perceived Cuban influence in Grenada. Politics has since been center right, and there is little to choose ideologically between the major parties. The NNP, led by Keith Mitchell, gained power in 1995 and took all 15 seats in an unparalleled victory over a divided opposition in 1999. Its majority was reduced to a single seat in 2003.

From "The Financial Times World Desk Reference" © Dorling Kindersley 2004