In the lead-up to the next General Election in Saint Lucia, the ruling Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP) and the Opposition United Workers Party (UWP) have significantly intensified their campaigns. Although the constitution mandates elections by November 2026, political analysts speculate that Prime Minister Phillip J Pierre may call for an early election before the end of the year. Both parties have been actively engaging with the electorate through various platforms, including town hall meetings and social media events. The UWP’s weekly ‘live’ sessions and the SLP’s candidate launches have become focal points of their strategies. A notable aspect of these campaigns has been the emphasis on crowd size, with both parties accused of using AI-generated images to exaggerate attendance. However, experts like Earl Huntley, a former UN diplomat and political commentator, argue that while large crowds can indicate a party’s ability to mobilize its base, they do not necessarily translate into votes. Huntley cited the 1982 election as an example, where the Progressive Labour Party (PLP) attracted massive crowds but won only one seat. Nancy Charles, a former UWP candidate, highlighted the psychological impact of crowd size, suggesting that undecided voters often gravitate towards parties perceived as having majority support. Despite the political theatrics, voter turnout remains a pressing issue. The last four general elections in Saint Lucia have seen declining participation, with only 54.2% of registered voters casting ballots in 2021. This trend reflects a broader global issue of voter apathy, which undermines the democratic process. As political parties continue their campaigns, there is a growing call for more meaningful engagement to encourage voter registration and participation, ensuring that democracy truly reflects the will of the majority.
