Dr Friday Puts An End to Gonsalves’ 24-Year Rule

St. Vincent and the Grenadines has chosen new leadership, with the New Democratic Party (NDP) winning the 2025 general election and ending the Unity Labour Party’s (ULP) 24 years in power.

With the victory, NDP leader Dr Godwin Friday is poised to become the nation’s seventh prime minister since it gained independence in 1979.

The election also marks the close of Dr Ralph Gonsalves’ long run in politics. At 79 years old, Gonsalves is one of the region’s longest-serving leaders. First elected in 2001, he became the longest-serving head of government in CARICOM and had been seeking a historic sixth consecutive term.

On election night, the NDP pulled ahead early and ultimately captured 11 of the 15 seats in Parliament, returning to government for the first time in 25 years.

Dr Friday’s incoming administration has signalled plans to focus on job creation, higher wages, lowering the cost of living, tackling crime, and improving key infrastructure.