The last three election cycles have seen the emergence of a two-party system, with the Virgin Islands Party and the National Democratic Party dominating the political scene.

This year, some candidates hope that will change.

Indeed, the 2011 general elections could offer the territory the opportunity to vote a multiparty government into power.

So far, leaders of an additional three parties have officially announced their intentions to contest the upcoming general elections: the United Party, led by Conrad Maduro; the People’s Party, led by Allen Wheatley; and the Independent People’s Movement, led by Richard “Courtney” de Castro.

None of the party leaders has announced any additional candidates for the respective parties, but Messrs. Wheatley and de Castro both said that they are in talks with potential candidates who wish to delay announcing their candidacy because of potential political conflicts with employers.

 

See the April 14, 2011 edition for full coverage.