By Alens Plante
In an earlier article, I noted that Saint Lucia’s two major political parties are already gearing up for the 2026 general elections. With increased political meetings, advertisements and propaganda, voters are being inundated with rhetoric as they prepare to cast their ballots and shape the nation’s future. Since the 2006 elections, national swings have disrupted political continuity, with no party securing consecutive terms in office. While some argue this instability has hindered development, there has been little scientific analysis (to my knowledge) of this voting behaviour.
This trend may reflect broader voter sentiment, but I aim to explore political thought and behaviour at the individual level – encouraging readers to reflect deeply before placing the cross or the “ti kwa” on their ballots.
Understanding politics is crucial because it shapes governance, policy and power distribution. It’s essential for informed citizenship, guiding people to engage in political processes and advocate for change. Studying it also sharpens critical thinking, requiring analysis of different political systems, ideologies and historical contexts. Whether in law, activism, or diplomacy, political awareness empowers people to influence their world.
This brings me to a key point: every citizen should care about who holds the highest office. As the late Maurice Bishop once said – a government is by, for, and with the people. This principle demands a greater understanding of the political system representative of the people.
Most importantly, the voters must have a holistic understanding of where they stand and how their political thought or behaviour contributes to shaping the landscape of politics.
In political science, three main schools of thought explain voter behaviour: the socio-cultural, the strategic and the interactionist synthesis.
- The socio-cultural school
This approach examines how culture, identity and societal norms influence politics. Historical traditions, ethnicity, religion and class often dictate voting patterns and policy preferences. For instance, societies with strong communal values may prioritise collective welfare over individualism. In Saint Lucia, party loyalty has historically influenced elections, such as Micoud North’s long-standing support for the UWP until 2021, or Laborie and Vieux Fort North’s allegiance to the SLP.
However, this school faces criticism for its unpredictability. Cultural factors are complex and evolving, making it difficult to rely solely on this model, especially in rapidly changing societies.
- The strategic school
Here, the focus is on calculated decision-making – how parties and leaders craft policies, alliances, and campaigns to secure power. This approach acknowledges politics as a competitive arena where strategy determines success. In Saint Lucia, the erosion of rigid voter bases since 2006 suggests that swing voters and strategic campaigning have played pivotal roles in toppling governments. No party has been able to successfully enjoy a consistent election victory post a single term in office. Parties now recognise that blind loyalty is fading, replaced by more independent, tactical voting.
Strategic thinking helps leaders balance governance, economics and public sentiment. Yet, relying too much on this approach can make it difficult to predict political outcomes, as seen in Saint Lucia’s frequent leadership changes.
- The interactionist synthesis school
This model bridges structure and agency, analysing how institutions, culture and individual actions interact to shape politics. Saint Lucia’s colonial history, blending French and British influences, has created unique governance norms. Meanwhile, grassroots movements, Kwéyòl (Saint Lucian Creole) identity and public demands continuously reshape policy.
For example, constitutional reform debates reflect tensions between institutional frameworks and citizen activism. The SLP’s 2011 and 2021 victories under Kenny Anthony and Philip J. Pierre, respectively, highlight how voter sentiment interacts with leadership and economic conditions.
By examining these interactions, the interactionist synthesis approach provides a nuanced understanding of how Saint Lucian politics evolves in response to social, economic and cultural challenges. It’s a fascinating lens to explore the island’s political identity and resilience.
Political crossroads
Since 2006, Saint Lucia has experienced political volatility – leadership changes, governance struggles and declining voter turnout, often attributed to disillusionment and partisan hostility. The interactionist lens helps explain these shifts, showing how institutions and public agencies collide. Meanwhile, the strategic school reveals how parties adapt (or fail to adapt) to voter demands.
The notable decrease in voter turnout has been attributed by most to voter disillusionment and gross disdain for political slander across the divide.
Elections are about power, and that power lies with the voters. By voting smartly, you contribute to building a society that reflects the needs, hopes and aspirations of all its citizens. Remember, every vote counts, and the consequences of inaction can echo for generations.
Alens Plante is a 20-year-old Saint Lucian student at the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus, who has spent much of his life in student advocacy and activism.
