Voters in St Vincent and the Grenadines head to the polls on Thursday in what promises to be a closely contested election that could see Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves secure an unprecedented sixth consecutive term.
The political veteran, who has led the Caribbean nation since 2001, faces a strong challenge from the opposition New Democratic Party in an election that will test his party's two-decade grip on power.
Economic Record Versus Cost of Living Concerns
The ruling Unity Labour Party has campaigned heavily on its economic development achievements. According to a recent World Bank assessment, the country's economic growth is projected to remain robust at 4% in 2025.
The international financial institution noted that despite multiple recent shocks, economic activity has recovered strongly, supported by tourism growth and infrastructure investment.
Gonsalves has overseen significant development projects, including the construction of the country's first international airport, which has facilitated a tourism boom attracting major hotel brands like Sandals and Holiday Inn.
However, the opposition NDP has countered these claims by pointing to the rising cost of living and unemployment, particularly affecting young people. They accuse the government of failure and broken promises on these critical issues.
Leadership Questions and Policy Divisions
At 79 years old, Gonsalves's age has become a talking point in the election campaign. Historian Adrian Fraser noted that some voters are questioning why the prime minister would want to continue leading at this stage of his life.
The NDP, led by Godwin Friday who has been in parliament since 2001, has promised to create more and better-paid jobs, address rising crime and violence, and improve healthcare and infrastructure.
One significant policy difference concerns citizenship programmes. The opposition has pledged to introduce a citizenship by investment scheme, similar to other Caribbean nations, while St Vincent remains the only member of the six-state Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States not to offer such a programme.
International Relations and Taiwan Question
Foreign policy has emerged as another key battleground, particularly regarding relations with Taiwan. Under Gonsalves's leadership, SVG has maintained close ties with Taiwan, benefiting from infrastructure, education and healthcare cooperation.
This relationship has yielded tangible benefits including scholarships for Vincentian students, support for the international airport project, and assistance with building a state-of-the-art hospital.
The NDP previously indicated in 2016 that it would align with Beijing and adopt a one China policy, though its latest manifesto doesn't explicitly state this position. Instead, it speaks about reviewing international partnerships while only specifically mentioning relations with the UK.
International relations lecturer Emanuel Quashie warned that switching allegiance from Taiwan to China would have serious political and economic implications, potentially affecting students currently studying in Taiwan and ongoing development projects.
The election comes after a challenging period for the island nation, which has faced the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2021 La Soufrière volcanic eruption, and Hurricane Beryl last year. How voters weigh these challenges against the government's economic record will determine whether Gonsalves makes history with a sixth term or the opposition secures a change in direction.
