Who runs local government in Saint Lucia?
Saint Lucia has local councils but no local elections: elections were suspended in 1979, and since then the minister responsible for local government appoints all councillors. Under the Constituency Councils Act 2012, its ten 'quarters' (historic districts) are served by 15 constituency councils.
Saint Lucia · Unitary parliamentary constitutional monarchy · Caribbean
The levels of government below the nation
| Level | How it is chosen | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Constituency councils (15), including Castries city council | 9–15 members appointed by the minister with cabinet approval; mayor or chairperson as administrative head | Markets, cemeteries, minor roads and drains, beautification; many services are carried out jointly with national agencies. |
Three questions about local power in Saint Lucia
Are local leaders elected?
No local officials are elected; all councillors are appointed.
Which laws set up local government?
Councils exist under the Constituency Councils Act 2012. The Constitution mentions local government but gives it no protection.
Who are local leaders accountable to?
Councils answer to the minister and cabinet that appoint them. Citizens can influence them only indirectly, through national elections.
Traditional and customary authority
There is no traditional authority. The Catholic Church and other churches are influential in community life but have no legal powers.
Community and neighbourhood power
Community development committees, village groups and sports clubs work with the councils. The 2012 Act includes provisions for community involvement in council work.
Points to know
- Women made up about 45% of appointed councillors in 2016/17.
- A draft Local Authorities Bill (2015) aimed to restore elected local government but had not been passed by the time of the CLGF profile.
Local terms
- Quarter
- One of Saint Lucia's ten historic districts.
Sources
- The local government system in Saint Lucia: country profile 2017–18, Commonwealth Local Government Forum, checked 14 October 2026
- St Lucia's Constitution of 1978, Constitute Project, checked 14 October 2026
See also: Saint Lucia's official statistics and leaders · the 10 levels of power.