Vieux Fort, Saint Lucia – A significant demonstration of civic participation unfolded Friday morning as special service personnel across southern Saint Lucia participated in early voting ahead of Monday’s general elections. Beginning promptly at 6 a.m., the Vieux Fort Police Divisional Headquarters operated two dedicated polling stations to accommodate police officers, port authorities, firefighters, and other first-response professionals.
Despite the early hour, electoral officials reported steadily increasing traffic throughout the morning, with lines growing substantially by mid-morning. One anonymous police officer expressed surprise at the robust turnout, noting to St. Lucia Times: “The numbers are remarkably high based on my observations. Considering the early hour, we already have substantial participation, and I anticipate these numbers will continue to climb throughout the day.”
The voting process, while orderly, presented some logistical challenges. The same officer revealed a nearly three-hour wait time, having entered the polling station shortly after 6 a.m. and exiting at 8:53 a.m. This extended processing time highlighted the constraints of operating only two polling stations for multiple constituencies, including Vieux Fort South, Vieux Fort North, Micoud South, Micoud North, Dennery South, and Laborie.
Electoral staff addressed these concerns, explaining that Monday’s general election would feature significantly expanded polling capabilities. An election clerk stationed at the divisional headquarters clarified: “For the general elections, we will establish considerably more polling stations. While we’re experiencing some backup in lines today, Monday’s infrastructure will ensure smoother movement and substantially reduced waiting times, even with high voter turnout.”
Personnel scheduled for duty on election day cast their ballots at the adjacent Vieux Fort Primary School, part of coordinated efforts to ensure all special service workers can exercise their democratic rights while maintaining essential services. The broader electorate is scheduled to participate in the electoral process on Monday, December 1, when the nation will select its next government.