Politics of Grenada

The politics of Grenada takes place in a framework of a parliamentary representative democracy, where the prime minister is the head of government. Grenada is an independent Commonwealth realm with a multi-party system, and its traditions are similar to those of the United Kingdom. The country has a cabinet and a bicameral Parliament made up of an elected House of Representatives and an appointed Senate.

Citizens of Grenada have many civil and political rights protected by the constitution, including the right to choose their leaders through peaceful elections. There are two main political parties: the National Democratic Congress, which is liberal, and the New National Party, which is conservative. Other smaller parties also exist.

In recent elections, the NDC won in July 2008, and later, in February 2013, the NNP won all fifteen seats in Parliament. This means there was no official opposition, so the Governor General appointed five Senators to serve as opposition in the Senate. The country’s safety is managed by the Royal Grenada Police Force, which includes a Special Services Unit and the Royal Grenada Coast Guard, with help from the U.S. Army and Coast Guard.

Executive branch

Grenada's leader, called the head of state, is King Charles III. He is represented in Grenada by a governor general who follows the advice of the prime minister and the cabinet. The person leading the biggest party becomes the Prime Minister, who is the head of the government. The cabinet has many members, including the prime minister and other leaders of important jobs. They must answer to the House of Assembly.

The Governor General chooses the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court after talking with the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition. The Governor General also picks other judges with help from a special group. The highest court for appeals is the Privy Council of the United Kingdom.

Main office-holders

The King of Grenada:
Charles III
since
8 September 2022

The Governor-General of Grenada:
Dame Cécile La Grenade
since
7 May 2013

The Prime Minister of Grenada:
Dickon Mitchell
since
24 June 2022

Legislative branch

Grenada's Parliament has two chambers. The House of Representatives has 15 members who are elected to serve for five years. The Senate has 13 members who are chosen by leaders in the government and opposition.

Political parties and elections

For other political parties, see List of political parties in Grenada. An overview on elections and election results is included in Elections in Grenada.

Judicial branch

Grenada had a special court called the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council until 1979. After that, people in Grenada could not use this court anymore, but they started using it again in 1991.

From 1967 to 1979 and again from 1991, Grenada used a court called the West Indies Associated States Supreme Court. Between 1979 and 1991, Grenada had its own High Court and Court of Appeals instead.

Administrative divisions

Grenada is divided into 6 parishes and 1 dependency. The parishes are Saint Andrew, Saint David, Saint George, Saint John, Saint Mark, and Saint Patrick. The dependency is made up of Carriacou and Petit Martinique.

International organization participation

Grenada is part of many international groups and organizations. These include groups like the Caricom and Interpol, which help countries work together on important issues. Being in these organizations lets Grenada share ideas and support with other nations around the world.

Grenada’s membership in these groups also includes many United Nations programs and agencies, such as the FAO and UNESCO, which focus on food, education, and other global concerns.

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