(St Lucia Times) The Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP) romped to victory in yesterday’s general elections, winning 13 seats and dealing a devastating blow to the reelection hopes of Allen Chastanet and his United Workers Party (UWP).
Chastanet, who retained his Micoud South seat and Bradly Felix who held on to his Choiseul seat were the only victors among the UWP candidates.
The labour victory spontaneous celebrations in the streets last night.
The SLP retained all the seats it won in the 2016 elections: Castries East (Philip J. Pierre), Castries South East (Dr. Ernest Hilaire), Laborie (Alva Baptiste), Vieux Fort South (Kenny Anthony), Vieux Fort North (Moses Jn Baptiste) and Dennery North (Shawn Edward).
In addition, SLP candidates Virginia Albert-Poyotte won in Babonneau, Wayne Girard won in Anse La Raye-Canaries, Emma Hippolyte was victorious in Soufriere, Alfred Prospere won In Dennery South, Joachim Henry defeated Guy Joseph in Castries South East in a contest that recorded over 300 rejected ballots, Kenson Casimir won in Gros Islet and newcomer Jeremiah Norbert created history in the UWP stronghold of Micoud North by defeating the incumbent, Dr. Gale Rigobert.
The incumbent MP for Castries North, Stephenson King, who entered the election race as an independent, easily retained his seat and former Castries Central MP, Richard Frederick, unseated incumbent Sarah Flood-Beaubrun in the constituency.
Pollster Peter Wickham suggested that the performance of King and Frederick would likely send a message to the region that ‘independent politics is back on the table in association with accommodations.’
Political observers are already speculating about the future of UWP leader, Allen Chastanet, suggesting that he could either seek to reform the party or call it quits.
One commentator on local television Monday night even raised the possibility of Stephenson King returning to the UWP to rebuild the party after its defeat.
Prime Minister elect, Philip J. Pierre took to Facebook to post: ‘Thank you, Saint Lucia,’ after the labour party victory.
