Vincentian parties sign election code pledging peaceful campaign ahead of general election

The two main political parties contesting St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ November 27 general election have signed the 2025 Code of Election Conduct, reaffirming their commitment to a peaceful and fair campaign season.

The ruling Unity Labour Party (ULP), represented by Augustine Ferdinand, and the opposition New Democratic Party (NDP), represented by chairman Daniel Cummings, signed the agreement on Tuesday with the National Monitoring and Consultative Mechanism (NMCM).

NMCM Coordinator Godfrey E. Samuel said this year’s code mirrors the one used in 2020, with minor grammatical updates and one notable addition — police protection for the Leader of the Opposition. “That was not in the 2020 code,” Samuel noted.

Ferdinand described the signing as an important step toward ensuring a stable election period. “We as political parties come together to sign this agreement, which is more or less signalling our agreement in having peaceful and fair elections in St. Vincent and the Grenadines,” he said, quoting Matthew 5:9: “Blessed are the peacemakers.”

He emphasized that while elections are inherently competitive, they should not be divisive. “We understand the importance of people exercising their democratic and fundamental rights … but we again emphasise that we must do it peacefully,” Ferdinand added.

Cummings, in his remarks, said the NDP remains “committed to the cause of SVG with peace at the centre,” and called for “a kinder and gentler society.” He contrasted the NDP’s respect for electoral outcomes with the ULP’s reaction to the disputed 1998 election, saying, “We respect the rule of law and made no attempt to disrupt our society.”

However, Cummings also pointed to what he called “the first infringement” of the code, claiming the ULP had scheduled a meeting at the same location as one previously approved for the NDP. “That is not nice,” he said, urging the ruling party to correct the issue.

Bishop Gerard County, President of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Christian Council, announced that the NMCM has opened an office at the Methodist Church Hall in Kingstown to handle reports or concerns during the election period.

With the code now in effect, the NMCM will dispatch monitors to observe campaign activities and the general election itself. According to Samuel, any breaches of the code will first be addressed privately with the offending party, and if necessary, through public statements.