United Workers Party candidate for Babonneau, Leo Titus Preville, delivered a concession speech on Monday that was anything but subdued.
While acknowledging his electoral defeat, Preville made it clear that the outcome of the vote does not erase what he described as unresolved national concerns requiring urgent government transparency.
Preville began by stressing that he entered the race prepared for either result.
“I came into this fully aware that there are two outcomes, to win or to lose,” he said. “I came in to win. And I came in to do that on terms that would always be treated as correct, and right.”
He emphasized that he deliberately rejected any campaign practices that could be construed as unethical.
“I would not have engaged in any form of activity throughout my campaign that could be interpreted in any way that would become part of any form of coercion, any form of bribery, any form of exchange of anything for a vote,” Preville stated.
“I was clear in my mind about that. And I did not do that. And I am happy that today I can walk with my head high. And there is no one in Babonneau who could ever point to that in my direction.”
Although voters ultimately opted for his opponent, Preville insisted that the election result does not erase the pressing concerns he raised throughout the campaign. He argued that the issues at stake transcend partisan victory or defeat.
“These are fundamental things that no matter whether the Labour Party won the election or otherwise, these remain,” he said. “People chose to make a decision that said that these things do not matter to them as much as other issues. And that is clear. I understand that. But these issues still remain.”
Preville said he expects the newly re-elected government to confront these matters head-on. “I would expect the government, when it has been constituted, to provide the people of Saint Lucia the answers to those basic questions,” he asserted.
While he did not outline specific next steps, Preville left no doubt that he intends to continue pressing for accountability on what he views as essential national concerns.