The Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Ralph Gonsalves, expressed his optimism this Thursday for a “great victory” in the general elections that could grant him a sixth term at the head of the government of the Caribbean island. Throughout the day, local media reported long lines at polling stations across the country’s 15 electoral districts.
Gonsalves expressed his satisfaction with teleSUR’s presence to observe the electoral process, declaring himself “quite optimistic” about the work done by his government. He asserted that the final result “will be very positive” and that they aspire to “see a great victory this afternoon.” The president also reflected on his political career, stating that he had participated in “several elections” and hoped to continue doing so for many years to come.
Regarding incidents prior to election day, Gonsalves referred to the previous night, when “some people” attempted to “operate outside the law, trying to block roads.” He explained that the police responded to these actions and that, after withdrawing, he noticed that some of those involved in the blockade followed him to his office in Spring Village.
Gonsalves indicated that the police took action against those involved, while also condemning such “wrongdoings.” He clarified that these incidents affected him and continue to affect him.
Meanwhile, more than 100,000 citizens of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines went to the polls on Wednesday to elect a new government. The election will determine whether Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves, of the Unity Labour Party (ULP), in power since 2001, will secure a sixth consecutive term against the opposition New Democratic Party (NDP), led by Dr. Godwin Friday.
Under a simple majority system, the party that wins eight of the 15 parliamentary seats will determine the next prime minister. Political analysts indicate that between four and six constituencies are in a virtual tie, making the mobilization of every vote crucial.
Pre-election polls reflected an extremely competitive scenario: a DP Dunn Pierre Barnett & Company survey gave the ULP a slight advantage with 8 seats to the NDP’s 7, while another WIC News poll suggested the opposition may have gained ground, with 49% support to the ruling party’s 44%.
IMAGE CREDIT: Known as ‘Comrade Ralph,’ the Prime Minister integrated the Caribbean country into the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America (ALBA-TCP). Photo: teleSUR
[ SOURCE: teleSUR ]
