BRIDGETOWN, Barbados – A highly controversial instruction from St. Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves to his supporters has ignited alarm across the Caribbean Community with commentators raising concerns about the potential for democratic breakdown in the upcoming election. While formal regional bodies like CARICOM and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) have yet to issue a statement, the Prime Minister’s rhetoric runs contrary to the established principles of peaceful democratic conduct upheld throughout the region.
Speaking to his Unity Labour Party (ULP) base in Mayreau, PM Gonsalves made a provocative call, urging “labour people on the streets” on the night of the 27th when election results are announced. The directive is being widely interpreted as a preemptive measure intended to deter any pushback or challenge to the results from the opposition, but it is fueling fears of widespread unrest. The Prime Minister’s language was highly charged, referring to the opposition’s current standing as “their last train to San Fernando,” and imploring his supporters, whom he dubbed “labour warriors” and the “labour army,” to ensure that potential “sore losers” are prevented from any “misbehavior.” The use of military and combative terminology by a sitting Head of Government, specifically instructing supporters to occupy the streets during the critical moment of results tabulation, is viewed by many as a dangerous escalation. For the wider CARICOM region, which prides itself on the peaceful transfer of power, this rhetoric poses a significant threat to the integrity of the democratic process.
The ULP currently holds a narrow majority with nine of the 15 parliamentary seats. The fight to maintain this political dominance is now overshadowed by potential unrest. Adding complexity to the high-stakes contest are the findings of a recent poll, released on November 5th. The survey, commissioned by Geostrategy.com—a firm controversially set up by convicted fraudster George Cottrell—suggests the opposition New Democratic Party (NDP) holds a marginal lead (40%) over the ULP (38%), with a substantial 22% of voters still undecided.
Conducted among 800 voters, the poll indicates a potential outcome of 9-6 in favor of the NDP. The closeness of the race, combined with the Prime Minister’s call for street action, creates a volatile environment that regional observers fear could lead to confrontation rather than peaceful resolution.