In a significant development ahead of St Vincent and the Grenadines’ November 27 general election, Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves has announced plans to challenge the eligibility of opposition candidates holding dual citizenship in court. Addressing supporters of the ruling Unity Labour Party (ULP) on Tuesday, Gonsalves, who is seeking a historic sixth consecutive term, revealed that the ULP had attempted to block the nomination of New Democratic Party (NDP) leader Dr Godwin Friday and East Kingstown candidate Fitz Bramble due to their Canadian citizenship. Both candidates, born in St Vincent and the Grenadines, acquired Canadian citizenship as adults. Gonsalves cited Section 26 of the Constitution, which disqualifies individuals who voluntarily acknowledge allegiance to a foreign power, emphasizing that this provision was reinforced by a 2020 Court of Appeal ruling. He highlighted that Friday had publicly admitted to possessing a Canadian passport, while Bramble reportedly acknowledged his Canadian citizenship during his nomination interview. Despite these challenges, Friday confirmed his successful nomination in a social media video, vowing to proceed with the election. Gonsalves, a seasoned attorney, stressed the need for concrete evidence to support the legal challenge, signaling a contentious battle over constitutional interpretation in the lead-up to the polls.
St Vincent PM promises lawsuit over Opposition candidates’ Canadian citizenship
