Direct democracy and party politics in the Commonwealth Caribbean: an analysis of the 2016 referendum on constitutional reform in Grenada

Abstract

ABSTRACT In the aftermath of the implosion of the Grenada revolution and the United States invasion of Grenada in October 1983, there was an urgency to construct a new political architecture for the consolidation of democracy. Grenada has, transitioned to electoral democracy. However, constitutional reform is imperative to address glaring democratic deficits. Yet, despite the urgency for constitutional reform, in the Commonwealth Caribbean, there is tension between direct democracy and the winner-takes-all Westminster system. This article analyses the 2016 referendum on constitutional reform in Grenada to provide broader explanations about direct democracy and political life in small states.