National Democratic Movement (Jamaica)

The National Democratic Movement (NDM) was a political party in Jamaica. Founded in 1995 by Bruce Golding, it emerged as a splinter group from the then-ruling Jamaica Labour Party (JLP). Golding, a prominent figure in Jamaican politics, left the JLP citing concerns about the party's direction and its perceived lack of commitment to reform.

The NDM positioned itself as a progressive and reform-oriented alternative to the established political duopoly of the JLP and the People's National Party (PNP). Its platform focused on issues such as constitutional reform, electoral reform, good governance, economic liberalization, and crime reduction. The party advocated for a more transparent and accountable government and sought to address issues of corruption and inefficiency.

The NDM contested several general elections, including the 1997, 2002, and 2007 elections. However, it failed to win any parliamentary seats. The party's performance consistently fell short of expectations, failing to gain significant traction with the Jamaican electorate.

Bruce Golding resigned as leader of the NDM in 2002 and later returned to the JLP in 2005. This move significantly weakened the NDM, as Golding was its most recognizable and influential figure. Following his return to the JLP, the NDM's influence waned further.

By the late 2000s, the National Democratic Movement had become largely inactive. While it was never formally dissolved, it ceased to be a significant force in Jamaican politics, and its organizational structure effectively dissolved. Its failure to break through the established two-party system highlights the challenges faced by smaller political parties in Jamaica.