By Caribbean News Now From St Lucia News

CARIBBEAN NEWS NOW – The ruling Unity Labour Party (ULP) led by Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves retained its slim majority of eight seats to the New Democratic Party (NDP) opposition’s seven in general elections held in St Vincent and the Grenadines on Wednesday.

However, the ULP has called for a recount in the North Leeward and South Leeward constituencies, both of which were won by the NDP.

“I am humbled and honoured that the people of St Vincent and the Grenadines embraced our bold vision for the future and rejected the politics of hate,” Gonsalves said.

“We are looking into various issues in North Leeward and South Leeward and we are also calling for an immediate recount to ensure that all the votes are counted in those constituencies. There are more rejected ballots than the margin and those ballots should be examined closely to determine the intent of the voters,” he noted.

The leader of the opposition Arnhim Eustace won his seat against the ULP candidate Luke Brown by fewer than 50 votes.

Eustace said on local radio that many irregularities took place in his constituency of East Kingstown, including illegal voting, and contradictory voters list to agents.

Gonsalves called for national unity to address developmental challenges and move forward.

“We ask Vincentians to celebrate this victory in peace and maturity. Now is the time to come together as one nation to address our developmental challenges and move forward to uplift our nation and its people,” he said.

IMAGE: Dr. Ralph Gonsalves

For more on this story go to: http://www.stlucianewsonline.com/caribbean-ulp-wins-st-vincent-and-grenadines-election/