Prime Minister Faces Election Petition Over Dual Citizenship

The High Court in Kingstown has commenced hearings on election petitions challenging the eligibility of Prime Minister Dr. Godwin Friday and Foreign Affairs Minister Dwight Fitzgerald Bramble. The petitions, filed by Unity Labour Party candidates Carlos Williams and Luke Browne, question whether the officials' dual Vincentian–Canadian citizenship disqualifies them from holding parliamentary office under Section 26 of the Constitution of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Both Friday and Bramble secured victories in the November 2025 general elections, representing East Kingstown and the Northern Grenadines respectively. The petitioners argue that their Canadian citizenship constitutes an "acknowledgment of allegiance" to a foreign power, which the Constitution prohibits for elected representatives.

Exiting the courthouse after Thursday's case management hearing, Dr. Friday offered a lighthearted remark: "It is a wonderful day. Look at the sunshine," before deferring questions to his legal team. Lead counsel for the government, Anand Ramlogan S.C. of Trinidad and Tobago, described the proceedings as "an interesting, if not amusing experience." He expressed confidence in the government's position, noting the prime minister's "overwhelming mandate" from voters.

The petitioners are represented by Stewart Richard Young S.C., Al Elliott, and Carlos James, while the respondents' defense team includes Ramlogan alongside attorneys from Trinidad and Tobago and England. Justice Gertel Thom is presiding over the matter.

The timeline of the case sets out several important deadlines. By March 12, 2026, the respondents must disclose their election declarations. The petitioners are then required to file additional evidence by March 27, 2026, after which the respondents must submit their replies by May 11, 2026. A further case management hearing is scheduled for May 19, 2026. The trial itself has been fixed for three consecutive days—July 28, 29, and 30, 2026—before Justice Gertel Thom.

At stake is whether the Court will uphold the election results or rule that dual citizenship constitutes disqualifying allegiance under constitutional law.