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Update: See how the boxes fell in our coverage of the elections here, as well as our result commentary.
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Anxious anticipation precedes tonight’s tallying of the votes in today’s general election in Barbados. The ‘fight for our future’, as it has been billed by both political parties, was preceded by three weeks of intense campaigning, coloured by themes of change, leadership, accountability and apparently, worship.

The seriousness of today’s election cannot be underestimated. International and domestic issues threaten the safety and stability of the Barbadian society and economy, and it demands a government that is capable, accountable and competent.

The electorate faces a tough decision. The incumbent party, which has been in power for a little under fifteen years, has been the only government that many young Barbadians would have ever known. Old habits die hard and truthfully, this government has not performed too badly during its three terms insofar as employment and certain human development indicators are concerned. In addition, the ruling party ran a tough and convincing campaign that challenged Barbadians’ natural predilection for change, no doubt bolstered by an intensive media presence over the past three weeks.

On the other hand, a new and re-energized Democratic Labour Party is at its closest taste of victory. Its solid performance in opinion polls and its mainstreaming of accountability, transparency, poverty eradication and democracy struck a chord with a number of undecided voters, causing this election to be inevitably too close to call.

Pollsters have predicted opposing victories while electors are taking no chances and turning out in record numbers. Barbados is witnessing a turning-point where it is widely recognized that the times ahead are hard, and our future depends on competent governance.

Today could be either party’s day for victory, but regardless of the outcome we believe that the voice of Barbadians who spoke so convincingly today will now play a greater role in shaping the quality of our leadership and governance. The wide public sentiment which has risen behind issues such as accountability and transparency will not easily die after tonight, as Barbadians continue to demand such from their elected officials.

What remains left to be seen however is whether the strong party support which we witnessed over the past few weeks will now take a backseat to what should be our first and only loyalty – loyalty to Barbados and the needs of the Barbadian people.

Related articles:

1. Barbados election results 2008: former opposition Democratic Labour Party to form new government in a 20-10 parliamentary split.
2. Change for change’s sake, or resentment of the status quo? Barbados election results revisited.

Jovan Reid · Bridgetown, Barbados

Jovan Reid is a communications professional and social policy analyst, with research interests in social policy, gender and sexuality. As Executive Editor, he coordinates content and advocacy campaigns on each of The Antillean's thematic areas.

editor@antillean.org