Pierre Wants “Consensus” On Fixed Election Date

Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre is addressing the question of fixed election dates in Saint Lucia. Over the years, queries about the frequency and timelines of elections have been raised in various public forums. Unlike countries such as the United States, where election dates are fixed, Saint Lucia elections can be called at any time within a five-year range, at the discretion of the Prime Minister. It is relatively uncommon for a Prime Minister to serve a full five-year term without calling  elections. This has occurred only twice, during the tenure of Sir John Compton (and Stephenson King following Compton’s passing in 2007) between 2006-2011, and Allen Chastanet from 2016-2021. However, Prime Minister Pierre has not ruled out the possibility that fixed term limits could become a reality in the Saint Lucian context. He noted that an ongoing constitutional review may address term limits but emphasised his preference for consensus among decision-makers before any changes. “As you know, we are reviewing the constitution. There is a constitutional review committee looking at the constitution with a parliamentary committee. And all these issues are going to come into play,” Pierre said. “I am not a Prime Minister who wants to impose. I...