Parliament has been dissolved, and the countdown is on. This guide breaks down the who, what and why of Saint Lucia’s electoral process.
Dissolution of parliament
Under the Constitution, the governor-general holds the authority to dissolve Parliament, acting on the advice of the prime minister. However, the Constitution also grants the governor-general reserve powers intended to ensure stability. For example, the governor-general may refuse a request for dissolution if government can continue without fresh elections, and may independently dissolve Parliament if a no-confidence vote passes and the prime minister fails to act.
Once dissolution occurs, a general election must be held within three months, according to the writ issued by the governor-general.
In an interview with St. Lucia Times, Speaker of the House of Assembly Claudius Francis explained that Parliament’s dissolution stops law-making, but does not suspend the running of the country. He noted that the government’s spending authority remains intact due to the national budget already passed earlier this year.
“Parliament makes laws. Parliament gives authority to borrow and spend money. By its dissolution, the government loses the authority to make laws… but a budget was passed in April… so they can continue operating government.”
He also emphasises that ministers legally retain their powers during dissolution:
“All ministers, including the prime minister, retained the same authority they had before the dissolution.”
This includes the ability, in the event of an emergency, for the prime minister to advise the governor-general to recall Parliament, despite it being dissolved.
He further clarifies that while MPs are no longer considered members of Parliament once dissolution occurs, “they retain their rights as district representatives until they are either reelected or removed.”
Prime minister and ministerial appointments
. How the prime minister is appointed
The Constitution requires that the governor-general appoint as prime minister the MP who “appears likely to command the support of a majority” of the elected members of the House of Assembly. In practice, this is the leader of the party that wins the most seats.
. How ministers are appointed
Other ministers are appointed by the governor-general on the advice of the prime minister, and may come from either the elected House of Assembly or the appointed Senate. If appointments are needed while Parliament is dissolved, a person who was a member immediately before dissolution may still be appointed.
Crucially, the prime minister has absolute authority over the Cabinet and chooses his ministers. “He alone has that authority to choose ministers, and to dismiss ministers… and that can be done, like, effective immediately,” Francis says, adding that the PM is “the sole master of who a minister is”.
MPs vs ministers: Two different roles
According to the Electoral Department, MPs are primarily legislators and constituency representatives, elected to debate and vote on laws. Ministers, however, operate at the executive level, running ministries and administering national affairs.
Francis reinforces the separation, stating, “Their role as MPs is to take care of the needs of the constituency… their role as ministers is to take care of the country’s business,” which explains why ministers continue functioning during dissolution, as the executive arm of government does not cease.
Nomination day: Strict rules, deadlines
Time frame
Nomination papers must be submitted between 9 a.m. and 12 noon. Francis warns that “if you come at one minute past 12, you will not be nominated”.
Where to go and who oversees it
Candidates must present themselves to the Returning Officer in their constituency. The Speaker notes that returning officers were appointed by the governor-general recently and their offices were officially gazetted, so all candidates know their locations.
Documents required
Candidates must submit form No. 7 (nomination paper) signed by at least six registered electors, form No. 8 (statutory declaration), a passport-sized coloured photo and a cash deposit of EC$500. These requirements are confirmed by both the Constitution and Electoral Department guidelines.
Nomination qualifications
The candidate must be a citizen and at least 21 years of age, not a minister of religion, has never been declared bankrupt nor been convicted of criminal offences.
Automatic election by acclamation
If only one valid candidate is nominated in a constituency, the Returning Officer will declare that person elected.
Nomination day for the 2025 General Election will take place on November 21 at the following locations across all 17 electoral districts:
- Gros Islet: Gros Islet Human Resource Centre
- Babonneau: Babonneau Secondary School
- Castries North: Castries Comprehensive School
- Castries East: Entrepot Human Resource Centre
- Castries Central: CSA Centre, Sans Souci
- Castries South: Ciceron Combined School
- Anse La Raye/Canaries: Anse La Raye Regional Office
- Soufrière: No. 9 Church Street
- Choiseul: Choiseul Police Station
- Laborie: Laborie Administrative Building
- Vieux Fort South: Beane Field Secondary School
- Vieux Fort North: Belle Vue Combined School
- Micoud South: Desruisseaux Multi-Purpose Centre
- Micoud North: Micoud Multi Purpose Centre
- Dennery South: Dennery “New” Infant School
- Dennery North: Charlie’s Rooftop, Richfond
- Castries South-East: Bexon R.C. Infant School
Why all this matters
These constitutional and procedural rules ensure that the government continues functioning smoothly during election periods, ministerial authority remains intact until a new government is sworn in, parliamentary representation continues at the constituency level, nomination day is conducted fairly, transparently, and with equal opportunity for all candidates.
