Thousands of Grenadians gathered at the Morne Rouge playing field on Tuesday night in a carnival like atmosphere as they celebrated the victory of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) which took 1eleven of the 15 seats at the polls over the incumbent New National Party (NNP).
The landslide victory which toppled former prime minister, Dr Keith Mitchell saw the NDC leader and his colleagues holding onto their seats and in some case replacing incumbents.
Jubilation filled the country as Grenadians digested the reality that on July 09 they were awakening to a new government.
The election campaign which kicked into full gear following the announcement of "liberation day" by Dr. Mitchell five weeks ago was littered with allegations of negative campaigning by both parties, more so by the incumbent NNP.
The NNP had campaigned with their emphasis on youth, however it was visibly that the youth turn-out was much lower than expected on polling day.
Dr. Mitchell at his party's final rally held at the National Stadium last week Sunday had openly stated that if his party's victory depended on persons within his age range then he would have already lost the election indicating that his chances of succeeding at the polls counted heavily on the youths.
His party had facilitated a number of regional and international acclaimed artists to woo the youth at NNP rallies in thousands however on election day the numbers were not there.
The NDC campaign focused on addressing the issues confronting the Grenadian people and painting a picture of hope for the future of Grenada with accountability and transparency high on the agenda.
The entertainment at the NDC meetings concentrated more on gospel music and displaying local talents.
In the wee hours on the morning on Tuesday Grenadians could be seen forming long lines at the various polls around the country and anxiously awaiting the opening of the polls to exercise their franchise.
Officials stationed at the various polling stations reported a very early high voter turnout but no major incidents were recorded.
The victory at the polls for the NDC is being seen as a continuation of Œthe wind of change" that continued to blow through Grenadian since the 2003 general election which saw the NDC trailing behind the NNP by one seat.
In his victory speech on Tuesday night prime minister-elect Tillman Thomas spoke of his government's plans to work with the people of Grenada to develop a better nation.
Thomas said that it is time to bring about a new atmosphere in society and reiterated his promise that accountability, transparency and good governance will be his government's watch words from the time thy officially take the seat of government.
The NDC government is now faced with an uphill challenge of dealing with Grenada's huge national debt and helping Grenadians to cope with the high cost of living.
Wednesday was declared as a public holiday in Grenada by Prime Minister Thomas.
The entire Cabinet of Ministers would take their oaths on Sunday at 4.30 p.m at the National Stadium as part of a Prayer and Thanksgiving ceremony.
Nazim Burke is tipped to become the new Minister of Finance, Peter David, the Minister of foreign Affairs while Patrick Simmons would play a key role in Youth and Sports.
Tuesday's poll was the seventh general election in Grenada since the island won its political independence from Britain in 1973.
