Today, citizens of St. Lucia are heading to the ballot boxes to choose a new government, as the nation’s two leading political parties appeal for voter support. The election campaign has been marked by hopes for a favorable outcome from the electorate.
A Jamaica Gleaner article said that Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre, who is steering the St. Lucia Labour Party (SLP) into its second consecutive election, called for the vote nearly a year before the constitutional deadline. He reportedly remains optimistic that his party will retain or even expand upon the 13 seats it secured in the July 2021 elections.
On his Facebook page Sunday, the 71-year-old leader urged citizens to participate actively. “St Lucia, tomorrow we make our voices heard. Make a plan to vote. Ensure that you know the location of your polling station. The only way to ensure continued progress for all, is to put the X next to the STAR,” he said.
He further expressed his dedication and hope for the nation’s future, stating,“ … It is an honour to serve you. We have come this far because we moved forward together. And tomorrow, you decide if we continue this journey we started. Let us hold the line. Let us stand together. Let us move forward together. May God bless you, and may God bless our beloved St Lucia.”
Meanwhile, the opposition is rallying support for its candidate. Allen Chastanet, the leader of the United Workers Party (UWP), also made a heartfelt appeal for divine favor and voter backing, as reported by the Gleaner.
“As our nation prepares to vote tomorrow, we ask for Your peace, wisdom and protection. Calm every anxious heart, keep every community safe and guide us to choose leaders who will uplift our people,” stated Chastanet on his social media.“Bless our election workers, our officers, and every citizen who will cast a vote. Let unity triumph over division, hope over fear and truth over confusion. Lord, watch over St Lucia. May tomorrow bring clarity, calm and a better future for all,”
Addressing the final major rally in Choiseul on Saturday night, the 65-year-old politician expressed confidence in his team’s ability to develop St. Lucia and restore hope.
Chastanet emphasized the importance of unity and progress, stating that the UWP aims to emulate the successes of other Caribbean political parties with a wave of the party’s signature colours.
“Yellow is taking over the Caribbean … .We had our sister party in Trinidad and Tobago bring hope to the Trinidadians, and, two nights ago, our bothers and sisters in St Vincent and the Grenadines took down the Comrade [Ralph Gonsalves] himself … and brought victory and they say yellow is the colour,” stated Chastanet.
Follow live coverage of the elections here.