Castries (CMC):

Election observers from the Organisation of American States (OAS) and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) are headed here this week to monitor the December 11 polls, Prime Minister Dr. Kenny Anthony disclosed on the weekend.

Anthony told journalists Saturday that the missions were invited to counter allegations by the Opposition United Workers Party (UWP) that the governing St. Lucia Labour Party (SLP) intends to rig the elections.

The Prime Minister who has lead responsibility for Justice and Governance in CARICOM, said given this position, it is important that elections in his home country are seen as free and fair.

"In my own personal capacity I must be beyond reproach in my own country, where governance and justice issues are concerned and, therefore, given my own responsibility to CARICOM, it is important that I allow that kind of analysis to be made in respect of a country that I preside over," he told newsmen.

The observer missions will focus primarily on the performance of the electoral commission during the elections.

The Opposition UWP has accused the SLP of attempting to steal the upcoming elections by engaging in a number of "underhand tactics" in an effort to hang on to the reins of political power.