The upcoming general election in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, scheduled for November 27, has seen 32 candidates nominated to contest the 15 parliamentary seats, including two independent candidates. Among them are Kenna Questelles, contesting the West St. George constituency, and Doris Charles of the National Liberation Movement (NLM), vying for South Leeward. Questelles, represented by the torch symbol, and Charles, symbolized by the bicycle, bring the total number of female candidates to nine, accounting for nearly one-third of all nominees.
Doris Charles, a former diplomat under the ruling Unity Labour Party (ULP) and wife of ex-Central Leeward MP Maxwell Charles, emphasized the significance of her nomination for the NLM, a party established in 2022. She highlighted the party’s commitment to values such as accountability, pragmatism, and transparency, while the bicycle symbol represents forward movement and progressive thinking. Meanwhile, Kenna Questelles, a former executive member of the Women’s Arm of the main opposition New Democratic Party (NDP), has pledged to focus on youth empowerment if elected. Her proposals include establishing a digital youth service agency, providing training and employment opportunities, and launching an annual innovation award to support youth-led start-ups.
The election is expected to be a fierce contest between the ULP, aiming for a historic sixth consecutive term, and the NDP, seeking to regain power after being ousted in 2001. However, the nomination process has not been without controversy. The ULP challenged the candidacy of Opposition Leader Godwin Friday and Fitz Bramble, citing their Canadian citizenship as a violation of the Constitution. Despite the challenges, their nominations were upheld by returning officers, though Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves has vowed legal action.
As the election approaches, the focus remains on the candidates’ platforms and the potential impact of independent voices in shaping the nation’s political landscape.