A look at the impact of third parties in post-independence Barbados

To Barbadians born after 1966, the idea of several political parties contesting a general election in this country may seem strange. While they know full well that in other countries this is often the case, here in the land of their birth, two political parties, the Barbados Labour Party (BLP) and the Democratic Labour Party (DLP) have dominated this country’s political landscape for half a century, and it is hard to imagine another coming on the scene and reaping any kind of success.
Prior to 1966, elections held in this country saw political parties such as the Barbados Electors’ Association, the People’s Progressive Movement and the Barbados National Party to name a few, vying for seats in the then system of double member constituencies. After that system came to an end, it was the BLP and the DLP that survived and from them, every five years, we chose who would govern the affairs of our country. Since independence, the former has won elections on five occasions – 1976, 1981, 1994, 1999 and 2003, while the DLP also counted victory five times – 1971, 1986, 1991, 2008 and 2013.

Now throughout those years a few minor parties developed and threw their hats in the ring, as did some persons running as Independents, but only one was successful – the National Democratic Party (NDP), led by the late Sir Richard Haynes. Not before the NDP, had a third party in post-independence Barbados amassed more than 1 000 votes. Though they did not win a seat, the 1991 election saw that party gain over 8 000 votes and by the 1994 election, their popularity had risen and they snagged one seat and almost doubled the votes they received previously. Since then no other fringe party has come as close as the NDP did, but that it not to say that one of the current third parties, Solutions Barbados or the United Progressive Party (UPP) does not have a chance.

A look at both parties’ websites would suggest that at present neither party seems to have a full slate of candidates, and while that may give them a better chance of winning the election, it is not necessary, as the goal is only to secure a majority of the 30 seats in the House of Assembly. But they definitely have their work cut out for them. Even though both have relatively well known leaders, the UPP’s Lynette Eastmond being a former Government Minister in a BLP administration, and Grenville Phillips II, a noted local engineer, their respective teams consists of persons not well known to the public and the fact is? persons like to know who they are voting for. Should they fail to connect with the voters on somewhat of a personal level, no matter how sound their proposed policies are, they will find it difficult to secure seats. But, they could still capture votes which could have a negative impact on both of the dominant parties. So despite the history of third parties, we cannot rule them out and this election, where we could see at least those new parties boosting full slates of candidates, will give them a chance to gain popularity for next time.

Over the 10 to 15 years we have seen a rise in third parties, due to a lack of trust in the bigger and more established political parties and disappointment in their performances. One can argue that this point can be seen by the fact that even though the DLP won in 2013, one cannot deny that there was backlash against them, as they won by a slim majority, showing that the BLP too was not highly favoured.

Since that general election both parties have had their challenges that voters will no doubt reflect on during the upcoming campaign. The incumbent DLP is faced with the many challenges presented by the country’s slowly growing economy, the numerous downgrades by various international rating agencies and the persistent south coast sewage issues. Not to say they have not had some victories, including the burgeoning tourism industry in terms of both cruise and long stay visitors and they will have to put their case to the people. The BLP too will have some challenges, as they will have to put their case as the better alternative to the present Government, as there are expected to be at least two others putting forward the same argument. What they have going in their favour, is that they are the oldest political party in the country and Miss Mottley has solidified her position as the Party’s leader.

However, in spite of the latter, Owen Arthur’s departure from the Party could still play a factor in this election, as could that of his now fellow Independent MP, Dr. Maria Agard who was expelled from the BLP. If either Mr. Arthur or Dr. Agard choose to speak on platforms of any of the other political parties during the upcoming election, or even run on a ticket, it could prove quite interesting.

What we as a country also have to be cognisant of, is that politics is unpredictable. We saw that over the course of the last year or so, with for example, the election of Donald Trump as President of the United States, and in the upset in the United Kingdom, where while the incumbent Conservative Party won the most seats, it lost its majority and was forced to form a minority government. Just goes to show that anything is possible and we cannot for a minute rule out the possibility of Barbados finding itself in that position too. (JRT)

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