St Vincent Election Results 2025: NDP Ousts Gonsalves in Historic Power Shift

Voters in St Vincent and the Grenadines have ushered in a new political era. The opposition New Democratic Party (NDP) secured a decisive victory in the November 27, 2025 general election. This result ends the 24-year leadership of Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves and his Unity Labour Party (ULP).

The NDP won 11 of the 15 parliamentary seats, a commanding majority. Goodwin Friday, a long-serving lawmaker, is poised to become the nation’s new leader.

A Landslide Victory for Change and a New Prime Minister

The election was a direct contest between the ULP and NDP, each fielding 15 candidates. The NDP’s overwhelming win marks a dramatic political reversal. It halts Gonsalves’s bid for an unprecedented sixth consecutive term in office.

Goodwin Friday, 66, is a veteran politician with a doctorate in political science. He has represented the North Grenadines constituency for 23 years. His extensive parliamentary experience positioned him as a stable and credible successor to the long-serving incumbent.

A Tumultuous Campaign Season Full of Allegations

The final days of campaigning were dominated by controversy. Outgoing Prime Minister Gonsalves, 79, publicly alleged foreign interference. He specifically accused nationals from Trinidad and Tobago, including eight lawyers, of working with the NDP to “rig” the election.

Gonsalves claimed these individuals might not have proper work certificates. He also alleged that Trinidadian entertainers had planned to campaign against him. This created a tense atmosphere in the lead-up to the vote.

Further controversy emerged over Gonsalves’s personal property holdings. Anil Roberts, a minister in Trinidad’s government, revealed the Gonsalves family owned three apartments in a high-end Trinidad development. Roberts accused Gonsalves of failing to declare these assets, prompting a local investigation.

Shifting Foreign Policy and Regional Relations

Beyond the campaign drama, a clear ideological divide defined the election. According to Reuters, the ULP campaigned on maintaining the country’s established foreign policy course. The NDP, however, promised a “strategic pivot” towards closer ties with China.

The NDP also proposed introducing a citizenship by investment (CBI) program. This represents a significant economic and diplomatic shift from the ULP’s previous stance. Gonsalves was a vocal supporter of Venezuela’s Maduro government, a position that often created diplomatic friction.

Despite his criticism of Trinidad’s regional policies, Gonsalves maintained a working relationship with its Prime Minister, Kamla Persad-Bissessar. She was among the first regional leaders to congratulate Goodwin Friday on his victory.

The Road Ahead for St Vincent and the Grenadines

The NDP’s victory presents both opportunities and challenges. The new government must now deliver on its campaign promises of economic reform and new international partnerships. Uniting the nation after a hard-fought election will be an immediate priority for Prime Minister Friday.

Despite his party’s defeat, Ralph Gonsalves retained his own parliamentary seat in Windward. This ensures his continued presence in the nation’s political life. His legacy will undoubtedly influence the country’s discourse for years to come.

International observers have praised the peaceful transfer of power. This moment signifies a major turning point for the Caribbean nation, with potential implications for the region’s geopolitical landscape.

The 2025 St Vincent election results have fundamentally redrawn the nation’s political map. The NDP’s ambitious agenda now faces the test of governance, promising a future of renewed focus and potential realignment for this Caribbean nation.

Info at your fingertips

Who is the new Prime Minister of St Vincent?

Goodwin Friday is the new Prime Minister. He leads the New Democratic Party (NDP) and has served in parliament for over two decades.

How many seats did the NDP win in the 2025 election?

The NDP won 11 out of the 15 available parliamentary seats. This gave them a strong majority to form the new government.

What were the main controversies during the campaign?

The campaign featured allegations of foreign electoral interference from Trinidad and Tobago. A separate controversy also emerged over property ownership by the outgoing Prime Minister’s family.

What foreign policy changes does the NDP propose?

The NDP plans a strategic pivot towards closer relations with China. They also intend to introduce a citizenship by investment program to attract foreign capital.

Did Ralph Gonsalves lose his own parliamentary seat?

No, he did not. Despite his party’s overall defeat, Gonsalves successfully retained his seat representing the Windward constituency.