General elections were held in Barbados on 21 February 2013. They were the first post-independence elections where the election date was announced five years after the last general election. The result was a victory for the ruling Democratic Labour Party but with a reduced majority, with the party winning 16 of the 30 seats in the House of Assembly.
Background According to the Constitution of Barbados, elections must take place no longer than every five years from the first sitting of Parliament.Constitution: Section 61 (3): "Subject to the provisions of subsection (4), Parliament, unless sooner dissolved, shall continue for five years from the date of its first sitting after any dissolution and shall then stand dissolved. (4) At any time when Barbados is at war, Parliament may extend the period of five years specified in subsection (3) for not more than twelve months at a time:" The last general election was held on 15 January 2008, while the first sitting of the current session of Parliament was held on 12 February 2008. The Daily Nation After the dissolution of Parliament, the Governor-General of Barbados, on behalf of the Crown in Right of Barbados, must issue a writ for a general election for members of the House of Assembly and for the appointment of Senators to the Senate within 90 days.Constitution: Section 62 (1) (2): "After every dissolution of Parliament the Governor General shall issue writs for a general election of members of the House of Assembly returnable within ninety days from that dissolution. (2) As soon as may be after every general election the Governor General shall proceed under section 36 to the appointment of Senators."
The election and nomination dates were announced by Prime Minister Freundel Stuart on 29 January 2013. The nomination deadline for candidates to register was scheduled for 6 February 2013.
Results
See also List of parliamentary constituencies of Barbados
References
External links , By Nation newspaper Election results, Voice of Barbados