Key political figures, including independent candidates and representatives of both major parties, have signed the Joint Agreement and Declaration on Political Conduct as Saint Lucia moves closer to the December 1st general election.
The signing featured Mr. Therold Prudent on behalf of the United Workers Party, Mr. Stephenson King as an independent candidate, and Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre in his capacity as leader of the Saint Lucia Labour Party.
The ceremony was overseen by Parliamentary Commissioner Dr. Rose Marie Husbands-Mathurin, who described the Code of Conduct as an essential framework for maintaining peace, fairness and responsibility during the campaign season.
She explained that the document outlines standards that all candidates must commit to.
“The Joint Agreement and Declaration on Political Conduct, and that is the code and the Joint Agreement that all interested in being candidates for election must agree to,” she said. “It constitutes sections that the code and those candidates seeking election should all agree to.”
Dr. Husbands-Mathurin highlighted several expectations placed on candidates who sign the agreement.
“One, non-violence and non-intimidation, safety of private, the keeping of safety and private and public property, the avoidance of confrontation,” she stated. She added that candidates are required to ensure their public statements are respectful and lawful.
“The utterance, public utterances will not constitute slander or libel, that parties and candidates should do nothing to unlawfully prevent or restrict anyone from canvassing or campaigning freedom of access, that there should be an avoidance of defacing buildings or installation.”
The Parliamentary Commissioner noted that the code extends beyond political actors.
“In the code as well, there is a section of the responsibility of the public and also the code gives some responsibility to the media to be responsible in the influence of how they wield over the public and the influence in reporting news and views,” she said.
In offering prayers during the ceremony, Archbishop Gabriel Malzaire emphasized the importance of integrity and national unity during the election period.
He said the elections “embody the collective voice of a people seeking to choose the direction of the nation and to affirm their commitment to democracy, justice and good governance.”
The Archbishop prayed for all candidates offering themselves for national service. “Grant them integrity of heart, clarity of purpose, humility in leadership, and a sincere desire to serve the common good above personal interest. May they be guided by truth, compassion, and respect for the dignity of every citizen,” he said. He also called for cooperation among political leaders. “Fill them with the spirit of cooperation, that they may rise above division and work towards the unity and advancement of our nation.”
Archbishop Malzaire also addressed voters directly, urging them to exercise their rights thoughtfully and without fear. “Strengthen every voter with wisdom and discernment. May each one freely and responsibly exercise their democratic right, unimpeded by fear, coercion, or intimidation.”
The signing of the Code of Conduct signals a renewed commitment to maintaining peaceful and respectful democratic traditions as the island enters one of the most crucial phases of the electoral cycle.