St. Vincent passes legislation allowing public servants to contest elections without fear of job loss

The recent legislation in St. Vincent and the Grenadines allowing public servants to run for elections without losing their employment or benefits marks a significant shift in political participation. Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves emphasized that this change has been in consideration since the country’s independence in 1979.

Historically, there were calls to enable individuals in various public sectors, such as education, law enforcement, and healthcare, to engage in the electoral process without the fear of jeopardizing their jobs. The bipartisan support for this amendment reflects a broader commitment to enhance democratic participation and encourage more individuals to contribute to governance. Gonsalves, who is also the Minister of National Security, said it was clear that no one “who is clothed with authority in respect of security” should be allowed to contest elections.

Among these, he mentioned police officers, Maritime Administration staff or offices “where you can use your authority to do something with an individual’s liberty or with their property”. He told legislators that the “narrow group” of public servants to be barred from contesting elections also includes legal officers and people in senior positions in the government, such as permanent secretaries and heads of departments. Despite the change in the law, magistrates, registrars, legal officers, the deputy director of audits, deputy accountant general, deputy controller of customs and exercise, the deputy comptroller of inland revenue, the deputy supervisor of elections and the director of Maritime Administration are barred from contesting national elections without resigning their posts.