Independent candidate for Castries North and Senior Government Minister, Stephenson King, says Monday’s voting process has been “encouraging” despite a few minor hiccups, noting that any issues that emerged were quickly resolved. Speaking after casting his ballot at the Patricia D. James Secondary School, King said the procedures unfolded as expected and that the atmosphere across polling stations has been largely positive.
“Generally it has been good. I have no issue whatsoever,” he said. “Wherever there were issues, they were resolved… these things happen from time immemorial.”
King, who is seeking re-election after winning the constituency convincingly as an independent in 2021, used the opportunity to address criticisms from his opponent, Stephen Favre, who has publicly projected confidence of victory and accused King of underperformance.
King dismissed Favre’s remarks outright.
“Someone who stays overseas for more than 20 years, totally disconnected with the country and the performance of the country, and returns… in association with one who has been declared by the court as a stranger to the truth — how can his assessment be correct?” King said. “He has no credibility.”
He added that while he maintains his independence, he has every right to associate with any political organization. King noted that although he accepted an invitation to serve in the Cabinet of the Saint Lucia Labour Party government, he is not a member of the party.
“I still remain independent,” he said. “I have never been offered membership in the Labour Party. I continue to operate as an independent candidate.”
King also clarified an incident that sparked public discussion over the weekend, after former UWP figures Edmund Estephane and Marcellus appeared on his platform and publicly apologized to him.
He insisted it was not staged.
“There was no orchestration there,” King said. “Mr. Estephane apologized for his role in my removal as leader of the party… then invited Marcellus to speak. It was not orchestrated by myself.”
On Monday morning, concerns were raised by voters who witnessed poll workers carrying a ballot box downstairs to assist a voter with a disability. King said the action is permitted once agents from the political parties witness and agree to the process, but he acknowledged the situation highlighted larger issues around accessibility.
“In situations where the polling station is not on the ground floor, a decision has to be made to facilitate that person,” he explained. “But the facility established for those with disabilities is inadequate.”
King said future elections should prioritize accessible polling environments, including ensuring ground-floor stations or providing dedicated, properly equipped rooms.
“This speaks to inclusive infrastructure,” he added. “These are things we can prepare for moving forward.”
As voting continues across the island, King says he remains confident in the democratic process and in the constituents he has served for decades.
Saint Lucia Daily Post will continue providing updates throughout Election Day.
