Chamber:
	House of Assembly
Dates of elections / renewal (from/to):
	15 June 1998
Purpose of elections:
	Elections were held for all popularly-chosen members of the House of Assembly following the premature dissolution of this body. General elections had previously been held in February 1994.
Background and outcome of elections:
	In the 1998 general elections, the ruling New Democratic Party (NDP), led by Prime Minister James Mitchell, was primarily opposed by the United Labour Party (ULP) headed by Mr. Vincent Beache; the ULP was founded in 1994 by a merger of the Movement for National Unity (MNU) and the Saint Vincent Labour Party (SVLP). The election date had been announced on 18 May. During the campaign, the NDP advocated tax cuts and the promotion of tourism and agricultural development, while the ULP called for job creation, economic development and improved social services. When polling results giving the NDP eight seats and the ULP seven seats were announced, Mr. Beache declared that he could not accept the outcome and called for fresh elections, alleging voter intimidation, fraud and bribery. This was promptly rebutted by the NDP. On 17 June, Mr. Mitchell was sworn in as Prime Minister; the next day, his new Cabinet took office.

STATISTICS

Round no 1: Distribution of votes
Political Group	Votes	%
New Democratic Party (NDP)	23,219	45.8
United Labour Party (ULP)	27,506	54.2

Round no 1: Distribution of seats
Political Group	Total
New Democratic Party (NDP)	8
United Labour Party (ULP)	7

Comments:
	The figures refer to the directly elected members

Distribution of seats according to sex:
Men:	20
Women:	1