Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre is addressing the question of fixed election dates in Saint Lucia. Over the years, queries about the frequency and timelines of elections have been raised in various public forums.
Unlike countries such as the United States, where election dates are fixed, Saint Lucia elections can be called at any time within a five-year range, at the discretion of the Prime Minister.
It is relatively uncommon for a Prime Minister to serve a full five-year term without calling elections. This has occurred only twice, during the tenure of Sir John Compton (and Stephenson King following Compton’s passing in 2007) between 2006-2011, and Allen Chastanet from 2016-2021.
However, Prime Minister Pierre has not ruled out the possibility that fixed term limits could become a reality in the Saint Lucian context.
He noted that an ongoing constitutional review may address term limits but emphasised his preference for consensus among decision-makers before any changes.
“As you know, we are reviewing the constitution. There is a constitutional review committee looking at the constitution with a parliamentary committee. And all these issues are going to come into play,” Pierre said. “I am not a Prime Minister who wants to impose. I believe in consensus. I believe in discussion. I believe in bringing the minds together.”
The Prime Minister also addressed his recent trip to Dominica to participate in the Dominica Labour Party’s convention earlier this month, where he rang a bell.
In Caribbean political circles, the ringing of a bell is a traditional signal used to signify the official calling of an election. This practice is symbolic and often marks the formal announcement of the beginning of the election period.
Some observers suggested that the Prime Minister’s actions were a taunt directed at his political opponents. However, the nation’s leader dismissed the moment as lighthearted and not something to be over-analysed.
“Why are we creating a society with such animosity? That anger we are generating in Saint Lucia, for political reasons, it’s not good. Not good at all. It will come back to bite us, you know. You can’t make a joke, you can’t laugh,” he said. “They want to make, and create an environment that doesn’t really exist. Why are we doing that? We’re coming to the time of goodwill and good cheer. Let’s lighten up a little bit. The people will decide.”
