On Monday, with 49.89 percent of the popular vote, Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP) took 13 of the 17 seats available in Saint Lucia’s parliament, winning by its largest margin of victory since 1997, and SLP leader Philip Pierre is set to be named Prime Minister after a single term in opposition.

The Labour Party made substantial gains at the polls, retaining the six seats it had held since 2016 and adding seven more, covering the country’s electoral map in the party’s traditional red. The incumbent United Workers Party (UWP) led by outgoing prime minister Allen Chastanet only managed to retain two seats in the House of Assembly.

SLP leader Pierre took to social media to thank Saint Lucia as the result became apparent, saying his administration’s first priorities will be health and youth economy.

The incoming prime minister has represented Castries East since 1997, and previously served as a government minister the last time the Labour Party was in office. He was elected to the role of SLP leader after the party’s defeat in the 2016 general election and has been the leader of the opposition since then.

First published by teleSurenglish. com