Saint Lucia is gearing up for a pivotal general election on December 1, 2025, following Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre’s announcement on November 9. This election marks a critical juncture in the nation’s democratic journey, characterized by its electoral system, voting patterns, and the enduring rivalry between the two dominant political parties. The phrase ‘ring the bell,’ which signifies the commencement of the electoral process, has its roots in the British Parliament, where bells were historically used to summon members to vote. In the United States, the Justice Bell in Philadelphia famously celebrated women’s suffrage in 1920. Today, division bells are commonly used in legislative bodies to signal voting periods. The announcement of the election date also triggers the dissolution of Parliament, a process outlined in the Constitution. According to Section 55(1), the Governor-General may dissolve Parliament on the advice of the Prime Minister, except in specific constitutional circumstances. Parliament automatically dissolves five years after its first sitting if not dissolved sooner. Upon dissolution, the House of Assembly and Senate cease to meet, no new laws can be passed, and all Members of Parliament vacate their seats. Parliamentary work is paused until a new Parliament is elected, rendering the institution non-functional during this period. The election timeline includes a 21-day campaign period, with Nomination Day set for November 21. Candidates must meet stringent eligibility criteria, including citizenship, age, residency, and proficiency in English. Saint Lucia’s political history since gaining independence from Britain on February 22, 1979, has been marked by the alternating dominance of the Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP) and the United Workers Party (UWP). The upcoming election could have been delayed until November 2026, but the decision to hold it in December aligns with historical precedents. Notably, every election won by the SLP has occurred in an odd-numbered year. As the nation prepares to exercise its democratic right, the election promises to be a significant event in Saint Lucia’s political landscape.