In a significant political development, St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ opposition Unity Labour Party (ULP) has initiated legal proceedings contesting the parliamentary eligibility of two senior government figures. On Friday, the party filed formal election petitions questioning the validity of Prime Minister Godwin Friday’s representation for Northern Grenadines and Foreign Minister Fitz Bramble’s position as East Kingstown MP.
The petitions, formally submitted by ULP candidates Carlos Williams (Northern Grenadines) and Luke Browne (East Kingstown), center on constitutional provisions regarding foreign allegiance. The challenge specifically cites Section 26(1) of the nation’s Constitution, which prohibits individuals ‘under any acknowledgement of allegiance, obedience or adherence to a foreign power or state’ from holding parliamentary office.
The core argument maintains that both Friday and Bramble hold Canadian citizenship, which constitutes voluntary allegiance to a foreign state. The documentation notes that both politicians applied for and obtained Canadian citizenship voluntarily, subsequently using Canadian passports. This, according to the petitioners, creates an automatic constitutional disqualification despite their electoral victories in the November 27 general election.
The controversy predates the recent polls, with formal objections being lodged during the nomination process on November 10. Pre-election notices circulated in media outlets warned constituents that voting for either candidate would constitute ‘a wasted vote’ due to their purported ineligibility.
Legal opinion appears divided on the matter. Prominent Vincentian jurist Linton Lewis, though previously associated with the ruling New Democratic Party, has supported the validity of the challenge. Conversely, legal scholar Jason Haynes contends that the SVG Constitution contains peculiar provisions allowing Commonwealth citizens to contest elections, suggesting the challenge might ultimately fail.
The outcome of these proceedings could significantly impact the nation’s political landscape, potentially affecting both the premiership and foreign ministry positions.