CASTRIES, St. Lucia (CMC):

The age of former Prime Minister Sir John Compton is emerging as an issue in the campaign for the upcoming general election in St. Lucia.

Sir John, who will lead the main opposition United Workers Party into the polls, is 82 years old and officials of the ruling St. Lucia Labour Party have been calling on voters to ensure that he is not victorious at the polls.

Social Transformation and Culture Minister, Menissa Rambally, said, "I challenge any political party in this country to put forward a leader who has a plan for even three years, not even for three years because at 82 you are always on borrowed time."