Allegations of vote buying have once again surfaced in Saint Lucia. This practice of electoral corruption is not only unethical and illegal, but a cowardly attempt to undermine the electoral process and erode the foundations of our democracy.
Our concern is with the entrenched practice of vote buying and its harmful effect on democracy. This is not tied to any particular election day occurrence or politician.
In recent elections, the practice has become so widespread that it’s common to hear people say, “Garcon if dem mun want my vote dey have to pay me.”
This is no longer rumour or myth. Reports confirm that politicians and their agents have offered cash or other inducements in exchange for votes. And it cuts across party lines.
Like other crimes, vote buying is covered by law. But as with many offences, investigations are weak, and enforcement is lacking.
The revised Elections Act (2023) spells out three offences: influencing electors, bribery, and treating (offering inducements other than cash).
- Influencing electors (Section 77): No one may try to sway voters within 100 yards of a polling station during voting hours. Penalty: a $250 fine, three months in prison, or both.
- Bribery (Section 78): It is illegal to give, lend, promise, or offer money, jobs, or favours to induce someone to vote, or not vote, for a candidate. It is equally illegal for voters to accept such inducements.
- Treating (Section 79): Providing food, drink, entertainment, or similar benefits to sway voters is prohibited. Voters who accept such “treats” are also guilty.
Penalties for bribery, treating, and undue influence include fines up to $500 or six months in prison. Convicted offenders also lose their right to vote or run for office for seven years.
The future of our country depends on free and fair elections. No effort should be spared to ensure that choices are made without fear, favour, money, or power. Anything less is a direct threat to democracy.
So what must be done? In the short term, enforcement of the law. In the long term, education – Saint Lucians must understand their right to freely choose who represents them.
We must also build a more equitable society, where empowerment comes through education, employment, and entrepreneurship, not handouts that trigger a mendicant syndrome.
Finally, we must confront the “contract mentality”. Too many now believe that community service, or even cleaning their own yards, requires a reward – a contract or short-term programme. This mindset, like vote buying, is detrimental to our social fabric.
Vote buying may occur every five years, but its damage lasts far longer. It must be denounced, and the next generation of voters protected from its corrosive influence – starting today.
