Grenada's PM begins a third term

Mr Mitchell voted in his western St George's constituency

Grenada's Prime Minister Keith Mitchell has been sworn in for an unprecedented third term in office after narrowly winning Thursday's general election.

Mr Mitchell's New National Party won eight of the 15 parliamentary seats.

The opposition National Democratic Congress, which had no seats before the election, picked up the rest.

Mr Mitchell called early elections last month at a rally on the anniversary of Grenada's 1983 coup, which was ended by a controversial US-led invasion.

He was accused of insensitivity when he announced the election date exactly 20 years after the assassination of Maurice Bishop, who was prime minister at the time.

However, he defended his decision, saying no disrespect was intended.

Setback

Although Mr Mitchell's NNP has retained power, the results represent a setback for the party, which won all 15 seats in a landslide victory at the last election in 1999.

One member of parliament subsequently defected to the United Labour Party, which has now lost its seat.

Mr Mitchell, who has been in office since 1995, was sworn in hours after election officials confirmed his victory on Saturday.

He said his party accepted the results of the election and understood the implications.

He said: "We will work with the opposition, we will consult with the opposition, we will listen to the opposition."

Turbulent past

Mr Mitchell said he would name his cabinet on Wednesday and address the nation on Friday evening to outline his government's programme for its first 100 days in power.

Last month's 20th anniversary of the short-lived coup in Grenada revived memories of a turbulent time in Caribbean politics.

A truth and reconciliation commission is still investigating the events of October 1983, in which the Prime Minister, Maurice Bishop, was shot and killed by members of his own party.

The subsequent military intervention by the Reagan administration split the Caribbean, with some states providing troops and others bitterly opposing the invasion.