KINGSTOWN, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines – Residents of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines head to the polls this Thursday in a general election that could mark an unprecedented sixth consecutive five-year term for Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves of the ruling Unity Labour Party (ULP). At 79, Gonsalves is one of the longest-serving democratically elected leaders in the world, having held office continuously since 2001.

Key Candidates and Parties

The 2025 general election features a total of 32 candidates, though the primary contest is expected to be between the ULP and the opposition New Democratic Party (NDP), led by Godwin Friday. The NDP, which unsuccessfully challenged Gonsalves in the 2020 general election, has proposed several major policy initiatives, including:

• Launching a citizenship-by-investment program to boost national revenue
• Reorienting foreign policy by severing ties with Taiwan, with which Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has maintained relations since 1981, in favor of closer engagement with mainland China

The ULP has consistently opposed these proposals, emphasizing stability, continuity, and regional partnerships as key pillars of its governance.

Historical Significance of the Election

A victory for the ULP would secure Ralph Gonsalves’ sixth consecutive term, an achievement unparalleled in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines’ history. Over the past two decades, Gonsalves has navigated multiple challenges, including economic crises, climate-related disasters, and regional political shifts. Analysts view the election as a referendum on both Gonsalves’ long-standing leadership and the country’s political continuity.

According to analysis by Dunn Pierre Barnett and Company, a Canada-based consulting firm, the ULP has a 64% probability of retaining power, reflecting its continued popularity despite opposition proposals.

Voter Concerns and Campaign Issues

Key issues dominating the campaign include economic development, climate resilience, foreign policy, and national security. The opposition’s proposal to establish a citizenship-by-investment program has sparked debate over the potential benefits of attracting foreign investment versus the risks of commodifying citizenship. Meanwhile, Gonsalves’ administration highlights its track record in public infrastructure, social welfare programs, and maintaining stable international relations.

Foreign policy is also a central discussion point. The NDP’s call to shift recognition from Taiwan to mainland China contrasts sharply with the ULP’s established diplomatic alliances, reflecting broader geopolitical trends in the Caribbean region.

Election Outlook

The general election is expected to draw significant voter turnout, as citizens weigh continuity against change. Observers note that while Gonsalves and the ULP benefit from decades of incumbency, the opposition’s policy proposals aim to resonate with younger voters and those seeking a fresh approach to foreign investment and international relations.

With a potential sixth consecutive term at stake, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines’ 2025 election represents both a test of democratic resilience and a measure of public confidence in long-term leadership.