been living "a sophisticated life" in the most exclusive neighborhoods of Rio de Janeiro since fleeing the TCI in 2009. Misick had previously denied any wrongdoing. Political parties and elections The revised 2011 Constitution came into effect on 15 October 2012, restoring ministerial government to the territory. A general election was held on 9 November 2012. The result was a narrow victory for the Progressive National Party, which won 8 of the 15 seats in the House of Assembly despite winning fewer votes overall than the opposition People's Democratic Movement. The leader of the PNP, Dr. Rufus Ewing, was sworn in as the territory's new Premier on 13 November in a ceremony on Grand Turk. According to a report in The Economist, the new Premier and others immediately launched criticisms of the period of suspended self-government: The new premier, Rufus Ewing, honoured the local tradition of pillorying the governor, talking of “subjugation” and “enslavement” during the campaign. The opposition leader, Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson, claimed that during the democratic hiatus Mr Todd disregarded the civil service, political leaders and the clergy. Evangelical pastors complain about new equality legislation that they say protects gay rights. A value-added tax arouses the fury of business. The new House of Assembly convened on 28 November 2012. In a speech to the House, Governor Todd announced that he would convene a commission to prepare the way for the territory's eventual independence from the United Kingdom, which both political parties agreed should be their goal. Foreign relations Turks and Caicos participates in the Caribbean Development Bank, is an associate in Caricom, and maintains an Interpol sub-bureau. Defence is the responsibility of the United Kingdom. In December 2004, the Turks and Caicos Islands sought to become a new associate member to the Association of Caribbean States. Since 1917, there has been significant political discussion in the Turks and Caicos and Canada about the possibility of unification. In 1973, the legislature of the territory formally requested association with its northern neighbor. See also Lists of political parties Electoral calendar Electoral system References Turks and Caicos