Saint Lucia Labour Party condemns Chastanet remarks on 2025 election

The Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP) has strongly criticized comments made by Opposition Leader Allen Chastanet, accusing him of undermining confidence in the country’s electoral process following the 2025 General Elections.

In a statement, the SLP described Chastanet’s remarks suggesting the election was influenced by “electoral list manipulation,” “significant financial influences,” and other unnamed forces as “irresponsible, reckless, and deeply damaging.”

“These should not be the words of a responsible national leader,” the party said. “These are the words of a politician trying to explain rejection at the ballot box by showing contempt for the institutions that safeguard our democracy.”

The party said Chastanet’s comments amounted to an “unjustified smear” against the Electoral Commission, Electoral Department, and election workers who, it noted, carried out their duties professionally to ensure a peaceful and credible vote.

The SLP also pointed to assessments by international observer missions, including the Caribbean Community Election Observation Mission, which said voters were able to exercise their franchise in a “peaceful, orderly and transparent manner,” and that results reflected the will of the people.

Similarly, the Organization of American States (OAS) observation mission reported that election day was conducted in an orderly, peaceful, and professional manner, according to the statement.

Official results published by the Saint Lucia Electoral Department showed the SLP winning 14 seats, while the United Workers Party secured one seat and two independents captured the remaining constituencies.

“That outcome was decided by the people of Saint Lucia. It was not manufactured. It was not stolen. It was delivered through the legitimate and democratic process,” the SLP stated.

The party challenged Chastanet to present evidence to the Electoral Commission, the courts, or relevant regional or international bodies if he has proof supporting his claims.

“If Mr. Chastanet has evidence, he should submit it to the competent authorities immediately… But if he has no evidence, then he should stop poisoning the public space with disinformation. Saint Lucia’s democracy is too important to be used as cover for one man’s political frustration,” the statement said.

The SLP added that as Leader of the Opposition, Chastanet holds a constitutional office that requires maturity and respect for democratic institutions.

“Instead of fueling distrust and encouraging conspiracy theories, he should exercise better judgment, speak with responsibility, and acknowledge what independent election observers and official results have said: Allen Chastanet lost convincingly.”

The party said it would continue to defend the integrity of Saint Lucia’s electoral system and reject what it described as attempts to undermine confidence in the country’s democratic institutions.