Sometimes, living in a new country makes me feel like this guy (who has evidently carved out quite a career for himself in Branson, MO):

Especially today, which is ELECTION DAY here in Grenada! Woo-hoo!

Now, since I’m not a national, that means very little to me in theory, although I would like to try and learn all I can about my temporary home. However, reading the local weekly newspaper is a little bit difficult, because most of the articles are written in a manner that assumes a basic level of understanding of the nuances of the Grenadian political system. I need a lesson in Grenada Civics 101.

I’m also trying to do some research online but, well, not a lot of locals are online. So, the internets have not been too much help either.

My confusion specifically about Election Day is as follows:

I thought that Election Day was a national holiday, and all businesses would be closed. But then I remembered someone telling me that the day AFTER election day might be a national holiday. Instead? Also?

So, I called the pharmacy, knowing that if they didn’t answer the phone, then it is indeed a holiday. But they did answer the phone. So I started asking the nice lady on the other end of the phone questions, knowing that Grenadians are, by and large, extremely helpful people.

She explained that Election Day is not traditionally a national holiday, although some businesses do choose to close for the day. But tomorrow might be a holiday. Or not. It all depends on whether the current party (the NDC. Or the NNP–I get confused between the two) is re-elected or if a new party comes to power. If the new party comes to power, then there will be a holiday tomorrow. But if the same party is re-elected, then Friday will be a holiday.

Aside: When I went to the NNP’s website, there is a strange video feed on there that I do not understand. Mostly, it seems like a record of Grenadian political discussions. But I also watched an extended section that documented a local bodybuilding competition. Huh?

She told me that votes should be counted by midnight, so I could listen to the radio and know what is what by late tonight.

There actually are 4 political parties here, but like the US, only two parties really have a major following. There is also the Grenada United Labor Party (GULP), which currently holds no seats in Parliament, and the People’s Labour Movement, which also currently holds no seat in Parliament, and has no website.

If anyone out there is in the know about any of these things, please feel free to enlighten me.