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The Supervisor of Elections, Dora James, has confirmed that 32 candidates will contest the St. Vincent and the Grenadines general elections on November 27, including one independent, in what is largely seen as a straight contest between the ruling Unity Labour Party (ULP) and the main opposition New Democratic Party (NDP).
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The ULP, led by Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, is seeking an unprecedented sixth consecutive term, while the NDP, headed by Opposition Leader Dr. Godwin Friday, hopes to reclaim government.
The sole independent candidate, Kenna Questelles, will run in the West St. George constituency. A former executive member of the NDP Women’s Arm, Questelles has pledged to establish a digital youth service agency if elected, aiming to train and employ 150 youth in digital marketing, website design, and IT support services for local businesses. Her candidacy also brings the total number of women contesting this election to nine.
Meanwhile, the ULP has challenged the eligibility of two NDP candidates — Dr. Friday in the Northern Grenadines and Fitz Bramble in East Kingstown — on the grounds that both acquired Canadian citizenship as adults, which the ULP argues places them under allegiance to a foreign power in violation of the Constitution. While the returning officers allowed their nominations, Prime Minister Gonsalves has promised legal action to contest them.
In addition to the main parties and the independent, the elections will feature candidates from smaller groups such as the National Liberation Movement (NLM), which was established in 2022. Former diplomat Charles highlighted the importance of her party’s participation, noting its ongoing program of political advocacy through initiatives like Belldnation, broadcast via Bayhill News Network.
With high stakes for both the incumbent ULP and the opposition, voters in St. Vincent and the Grenadines will head to the polls on November 27 to determine the next government.
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