CASTRIES, St Lucia, CMC – Leader of the main opposition United Workers Party (UWP), Sir John Compton, has thrown out a challenge to Prime Minister Dr Kenny Anthony to call general elections immediately.
Sir John, who led the country into independence in 1979 and remained at the helm for over 30 years, said the challenge was coming against the backdrop of the Prime Minister’s announced intention to invite observers for the poll which would be held before year end.
While no election date has so far been announced, Prime Minister Anthony indicated that the poll would be held before year end, and for the first time would be scrutinised by election observers.
He said that among the reason for inviting the observers was to ensure that there were no complaints from the opposition when they lost the election to the ruling St Lucia Labour Party.
But Sir John said Tuesday that if the SLP was so sure of winning, the party leader should name an election date, adding that there was not any need for election observers as neither party had a history of challenging election results.
“We have had a long tradition of free and fair elections, although I would be the first to admit that the poll in 1979 was not free from fear,” he said.
However, Prime Minister Anthony insisted on having observers on the island for the poll, stating that he wanted St.Lucia to be an example for the rest of the region.
“I have leadership responsibility in CARICOM (Caribbean Community) for governance and justice and I want to be sure that St. Lucians truly believe in their hearts that the electoral process is fair, free and beyond reproach,” he said.
Dr. Anthony said there was also the additional reason that the UWP would be defeated in the next election and he expected that it would be difficult for them to live with the results.
With respect to the Prime Minister’s prediction of a SLP victory, said that Dr. Anthony was living in a dream world.
“If he thinks the UWP will be routed why doesn’t he call the elections now, because we are ready for him. Call it now and you will see who is going to be routed,” Sir John said.