In response to significant public criticism regarding the lengthy delays experienced by voters, particularly during the morning hours at polling stations on Election Day, December 1, the Saint Lucia Electoral Department took a proactive stance.
The Electoral Department called upon all media partners to disseminate the following critical press release urgently across all platforms, including television, radio, print, online news sites, and social media.
This release provides essential information from the Electoral Commission of Saint Lucia regarding the delays encountered during Advance Polling for Essential Service Electors and offers clarifications ahead of Election Day.
In a clear statement regarding Advance Polling for Essential Service Electors, the department firmly notes: The Electoral Commission of Saint Lucia recognizes the significant delays experienced during Advance Polling for Essential Service Electors, including members of the Police Force, Fire Service, and Correctional Services.
The situation resulted from an inadequate increase in the number of Polling Stations, despite expanding the number of Polling Divisions from two to four. Although the Electoral Department requested additional Polling Stations, resource limitations from the Police hindered action.
Moreover, the increase in Essential Service Electors since the 2021 election, coupled with the presence of retired officers on the voters’ list, led to a considerably larger pool of voters, causing long lines and late voting.
The release states unequivocally, “It is evident that the number of Polling Stations must increase within each Polling Division, with a minimum of four in Soufriere and up to six in Vieux Fort, Training School, and Gros Islet.”
The statement added, “Despite these challenges, we assure all electors that this situation was unique to the Advance Polling of Essential Service Electors. The Electoral Department will work closely with the Police to prevent such delays in future elections.
Essential Service Electors who did not vote during advance polling are fully entitled to cast their votes on Election Day.
According to the Electoral Department, on Monday, December 01, 2025, the unit was responsible for the overall conduct of elections for all electors, and implemented comprehensive measures to ensure that the election process proceeds efficiently and without delay.
There were several complaints from voters, particularly in the northern zone and the Central Castries areas. Voters expressed frustration about the lengthy wait times in lines, and many had difficulties locating their names on the voter’s list.
Kenson Casimir, MP for Gros Islet, voiced his strong concerns about the long lines at polling stations. He noted that was unacceptable that voters had to endure such delays; though the situation improved later in the day.
In a direct interview at Grand Riviere, Casimir stated, “I am not satisfied with the process; we have excessively long lines, and there is much more we can do to enhance the experience for the people.”
He continued, “My constituents have shown remarkable patience, but they deserve better. We are facing significant issues with people not finding their names on the Voter’s List, particularly with over 26,000 voters involved.”
Moreover, Casimir emphasized, “We have been discussing the need to split the Gros Islet seat for a long time, and I will prioritize this as part of my work in government.”