Chief Elections Officer Herman St. Helen says voter turnout across several key constituencies has been “very heavy” as Saint Lucians head to the polls in Monday’s general election. Speaking with Saint Lucia Daily Post while moving between polling stations, St. Helen described a busy but largely well-managed day, noting strong participation in Gros Islet, Castries East, Castries North, and other high-density areas.
He confirmed that teams from the Electoral Department have been deployed across the island and that he is personally visiting as many polling stations as possible before the 6:00 p.m. close of polls. Despite the heavy flow of voters, St. Helen said operations remain steady. “Voting is fairly smooth. The election day workers are performing satisfactorily, and it tells me the training was well received,” he said.
St. Helen also addressed public concern surrounding an incident at the Patricia D. James Secondary School polling station involving the temporary removal of ballot boxes. He dismissed the speculation, clarifying that the team acted appropriately to facilitate an incapacitated voter downstairs. “There was nothing wrong with that. The entire team including the presiding officer and the agents of the candidates, had to go down to ensure the voter was not disenfranchised. The secrecy and integrity of the vote were maintained. This is nothing new; it has happened before,” he explained.
Pressed on whether there were any additional challenges emerging throughout the day, St. Helen declined to go into detail, saying only that he preferred to “remain mute at this moment,” and that further developments may come later.
As the island continues to experience robust voter participation, the Electoral Department maintains that processes are running within expected parameters. Polls close at 6:00 p.m.
