Godwin Friday Declares Victory in St Vincent Election, Ending 24-Year Rule

Godwin Friday, leader of St Vincent and the Grenadines' New Democratic Party, announced victory in Thursday's election despite the absence of official results. This win would disrupt the Unity Labour Party's 24-year reign under Ralph Gonsalves, signaling potential political shifts and regional diplomatic impacts.

Godwin Friday, leader of the opposition New Democratic Party (NDP) in St Vincent and the Grenadines, declared victory in Thursday's election via social media posts, even as official results remained pending early Friday.

An NDP triumph would break the 24-year tenure of the ruling Unity Labour Party, led by Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves, one of the world's longest-serving democratically elected leaders. TV footage showed jubilant NDP supporters celebrating with yellow flags and fireworks.

Figures such as Allen Chastanet, a former prime minister of St Lucia, extended congratulations, underscoring regional political connections. Meanwhile, Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness praised Gonsalves' service and NDP's peaceful electoral process, amid notable diplomatic implications surrounding ties with Taiwan and China.

(With inputs from agencies.)