General elections in Saint Lucia are constitutionally due by November next year – five years and 90 days after the opening of the previous parliamentary session on August 17, 2021. Yet judging by the recent surge in political activity, one might think elections, not Christmas, are just around the corner.
Over the past few months, the two major parties – the United Workers Party (UWP) and the Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP) – have intensified their public engagements through town hall meetings, rallies, and candidate launches.
Both have now finalised their slates, and at least one new party has signalled its intent to enter the race.
In short, “the silly season” has begun. The term, first coined in the UK in 1861 to describe a stretch of frivolous news, now seems apt, though some recent political pronouncements have moved past frivolous to downright asinine.
The rhetoric, not just from politicians but also their supporters and surrogates, has grown increasingly bizarre, inflammatory, and at times laced with veiled or overt threats.
The modus operandi appears to be pushing the envelope—testing the limits of civility in ways that, if left unchecked, could send our democratic discourse over a cliff.
To borrow from Ras Shorty I: “Dat eh good enough.”
As a progressive democracy—and the birthplace of Sir Derek Walcott, Sir Arthur Lewis, and many other distinguished sons and daughters—we owe it to our ancestors, ourselves, and future generations to demand better.
We must hold our candidates to higher standards, not just in their policies, but in their conduct, language, and tone.
In light of this, we believe it is time for civil society organisations such as the Saint Lucia Chamber of Commerce, the Christian Council, and others to spearhead the development of a national Code of Conduct to be endorsed by all political parties and candidates.
Such a code should include, but not be limited to:
- A firm rejection of name-calling and derogatory references based on religion, lineage, class, race, or sexual orientation
- A commitment to uphold the Constitution and the laws of the land, while maintaining moral principles, ethical behaviour and public decorum
- A pledge to promote peace, respect and tolerance among candidates and supporters
- A clear stance against defacing public property or party emblems (as we have started to see), and disassociation from those who engage in such acts
- A ban on inflammatory language and incitement to violence
- A focus on policy, track records and commitments—not inducements, bribes, or defamatory allegations
- Respect for law enforcement and the media, especially during rallies and mass gatherings
- Zero tolerance for intimidation of journalists or interference with press freedom
These are just some of the areas we believe a Code of Conduct should address.
But rules alone are not enough. Public education and voter sensitisation must go hand in hand, ensuring citizens understand the principles and expectations that govern our electoral process.
This is not only necessary but essential. If we are to restore dignity to our democratic traditions, we must recommit to conducting elections in an atmosphere of peace, goodwill, and mutual respect.
