CASTRIES, St. Lucia – In a decisive electoral outcome that defied regional political trends, the St. Lucia Labour Party (SLP) has secured a second consecutive five-year term in office. Prime Minister Phillip J. Pierre’s administration achieved a resounding victory in Monday’s general elections, which international observers characterized as peaceful and well-administered.
The preliminary results indicate the SLP is positioned to surpass its previous 13-2 parliamentary majority from the 2021 elections. A visibly relieved Prime Minister Pierre, 71, addressed jubilant supporters, praising the maturity of St. Lucian democracy. “I would like to thank the people of St. Lucia for conducting what was a very decent election, an election free from violence,” Pierre stated, acknowledging the efforts of party members and constituency workers.
The Prime Minister extended congratulations to United Workers Party (UWP) leader Allen Chastanet, who appears to be his party’s sole successful candidate. Pierre emphasized the importance of opposition in maintaining democratic traditions, despite the lopsided results.
The election campaign was notably contentious, with the UWP focusing allegations of corruption and mismanagement against the government, particularly targeting the Citizenship by Investment program and Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Ernest Hilaire. These allegations were previously dismissed by the Caribbean Court of Justice earlier this year.
Pierre criticized what he termed “misinformation and propaganda” that characterized opposition politics over the past four and a half years, expressing hope that such tactics would not return to St. Lucian politics. The Prime Minister indicated he would be sworn in later this week, with cabinet announcements expected next week.
International observer missions from the Organization of American States and CARICOM monitored the polling process, which proceeded without significant incident.