Dates of last and next legislative elections: L. House 2002/2007
U. House 2002/2007

Head of state: H.M. Queen Elizabeth II

AT THE LAST ELECTION

The country's political complexion changed markedly in the late 1980s, as the ideologies of the once socialist PNP and the conservative JLP converged toward a moderate free-market economic approach.

Violent disturbances in 1998 and 1999 were in response to the PNP government's attempts to deal with economic recession and a large fiscal deficit. The unrest, which led to several deaths, gave new life to the internally troubled JLP, as it then identified itself with opposition to fuel tax increases. It increased its representation in the 2002 election, but failed to unseat the PNP, which entered a historic fourth consecutive term in office.

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