The opposition New Democratic Party (NDP) in St Vincent and the Grenadines has claimed victory in Thursday’s national election, according to statements made by party leader Godwin Friday on social media, although official results had not yet been confirmed.

A win for the NDP would end the 24-year rule of the Unity Labour Party (ULP). Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves, one of the world’s longest-serving democratically elected leaders, has been in office since 2001 and was seeking a sixth consecutive five-year term.

Celebrations were reported in the capital, with supporters wearing the NDP’s yellow party colors, waving flags, and using fireworks and music to mark the occasion. Regional political figures acknowledged the outcome, including former St Lucia Prime Minister Allen Chastanet, who highlighted the use of yellow as a symbol associated with several Caribbean conservative parties.

Gonsalves had not commented on the election results as of early Friday. He had indicated plans to travel to St Lucia ahead of that country’s upcoming election to support its incumbent Prime Minister Philip Pierre.

Regional leaders, including Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness, praised Gonsalves for his long tenure and his efforts to promote Caribbean regional integration, while also congratulating Friday on the election outcome and highlighting the peaceful and democratic nature of the process.

Taiwan’s ambassador also extended congratulations to the NDP. St Vincent remains one of Taiwan’s few formal diplomatic allies, although the NDP has previously suggested exploring closer relations with China. The party’s current election manifesto, however, does not mention any changes to diplomatic ties with Taiwan.