Gonsalves Seeks Historic 6th Term as St. Vincent and the Grenadines Heads to the Polls

Voters of St. Vincent and the Grenadines are heading to the polls today, in an election that could end Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves’ 20-year hold on power. Gonsalves, now 79, is seeking a sixth term, while the opposition New Democratic Party (NDP) hopes the call for change will finally put them in office.

The race is expected to be close. In the last election, the ruling Unity Labour Party (ULP) kept its majority by winning nine of 15 seats, even though the NDP won the popular vote.

The ruling party says the economy is improving, pointing to a World Bank forecast of 4% growth in 2025 and major projects such as the country’s first international airport, which helped fuel a tourism boom. But the opposition says most people aren’t feeling those gains. But the opposition argues that most people aren’t feeling those benefits. NDP leader Godwin Friday says living costs and unemployment remain high, and he’s promising more jobs.

Tensions rose in the final days of campaigning. At a recent rally, Gonsalves accused financiers linked to Trinidad and Tobago’s current government of helping the NDP. He suggested these alleged backers were motivated by economic interests, claiming Trinidad’s economy is struggling while St. Vincent’s is growing faster.

Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar strongly denied the accusation.