CASTRIES — St. Lucia’s Prime Minister Philip Pierre and his Labour Party (SLP) retained their legislative majority on Monday, putting Pierre on course for re-election after a campaign focused on economic management, violent crime, and the country’s citizenship-by-investment program.
Shortly after 10 p.m. (0200 GMT), official election results showed the social democratic SLP securing at least 13 seats in the 17-seat House of Assembly—matching its current majority—with two constituencies still to be declared. Pierre captured 57.1% of the popular vote, compared with 37.3% for conservative opposition leader Allen Chastanet.
Chastanet previously served as prime minister of the island nation of 180,000 people. His United Workers Party (UWP), which held just two seats before Monday’s vote, had secured one seat by late evening.
Election observers from the British High Commission, speaking on state television, commended the process as well-organised. They noted strong voter turnout and a calm, orderly atmosphere at polling stations.
Throughout the campaign, Pierre emphasised stability and prudent economic management. Chastanet, however, argued that security deteriorated under Pierre’s leadership, due in part to reduced U.S. assistance to local law enforcement—restrictions imposed under the U.S. Leahy Law following past human rights concerns. He also called for increased transparency and auditing of St. Lucia’s citizenship-by-investment (CBI) program.
CBI programs remain a significant source of revenue for several Eastern Caribbean nations, but they have drawn scrutiny from Washington, which warns that such schemes can be exploited by “nefarious actors” from countries including China and Iran. Earlier this year, the United States proposed its own expedited immigration pathway, dubbed the “gold card” visa, aimed at attracting wealthy applicants.
St. Lucia’s election follows last Thursday’s vote in neighbouring St. Vincent and the Grenadines, where the opposition won nearly all seats, unseating Ralph Gonsalves after 24 years in office.
The poll also comes as the United States increases its military presence in the Caribbean, saying the buildup is intended to combat drug trafficking around Venezuela. Meanwhile, the Dominican Republic and Trinidad and Tobago have authorized U.S. vessels to dock in their territorial waters.