By Chantalé Fletcher
PRIME Minister Mia Mottley and the Barbados Labour Party (BLP) swept the polls for a second time in over three years taking all 30 seats on the island.
On Wednesday, thousands of Barbadians came out to cast their votes after the island became a Republic last November.
There were 109 candidates from seven political parties as well as independent representatives.
The BLP captured all 30 seats in the House of Assembly.
Mottley had called the elections after the island’s transition into a Republic. The country like most was also battling the Covid-19 pandemic.
Opposition candidate Philip Catlyn had tried to stop the election by bringing a court case stating that 5,600 people in isolation due to Covid-19 were disenfranchised. The matter was dismissed hours before voting began.
Addressing the thousands of supporters after victory, Mottley thanked Barbadians for a second opportunity.
“I thank the people of Barbados for accepting us at our word that if we do not fix our problems starting tomorrow; we will not be able to guarantee safety to our people in the next ten to 15 years.”
She said that 2022 may be her last election.
Meanwhile, Democratic Labor Party (DLP) leader, Verla De Pieza congratulated Mottley and the BLP on their victory.
De Peza described the timing of the elections as “reckless” which caused a low turnout in voters.
