Trois-Rivières 2026 Elections: Candidate Debate on Water, Economy & Chlordécone

The race for mayor of Trois-Rivières, Guadeloupe is officially entering its public debate phase. Starting Monday, March 2nd, Guadeloupe La 1ère is hosting a series of forums featuring the three candidates vying for the position: incumbent Jean-Louis Francisque, departmental counselor Jimmy Fausta, and former mayor Albert Dorville. The debates will air on the radio at 6:15 PM and on television at 8:05 PM local time, offering voters a crucial opportunity to assess each candidate’s vision for the commune.

This series of exchanges is designed to allow the candidates to present their platforms, defend their records, and articulate their plans for the future. For voters, it’s a chance to become informed and shape their choices in the upcoming municipal elections. The first debate, featuring Francisque, Fausta, and Dorville, kicks off what Guadeloupe La 1ère is calling a comprehensive coverage of the “Elections municipales et communautaires 2026.”

A Three-Way Contest for Trois-Rivières

Jean-Louis Francisque, representing the GUSR party, is running for re-election. His campaign will likely focus on defending his current administration’s accomplishments and highlighting his role in the Syndicat mixte de gestion de l’eau et de l’assainissement de Guadeloupe – the mixed syndicate for water management and sanitation in Guadeloupe. Water management is already shaping up to be a key issue in the election, as noted by Guadeloupe La 1ère.

Challenging Francisque is Jimmy Fausta, a current departmental counselor running as a diverse left candidate (DVG). Fausta will be aiming to improve upon his performance in the 2020 election, where he secured 22.11% of the vote in the first round. His platform will need to demonstrate a clear path to growth beyond that initial showing.

Adding an interesting dynamic to the race is the return of Albert Dorville, a former mayor of Trois-Rivières. At 77 years vintage, Dorville is positioning himself as a potential arbiter in the election, running as an independent candidate (SE). His experience and established presence in the community could prove to be a significant factor.

Key Issues Facing Trois-Rivières

Beyond the individual candidates, several critical issues are expected to dominate the debate. The availability of potable water is a major concern for residents, and candidates will be pressed to outline their strategies for ensuring a sustainable supply. The development of the port area, a key gateway to the Saintes islands, is another significant topic, with potential implications for tourism and economic growth. Guadeloupe La 1ère reports these will be central to the discussions.

Perhaps the most pressing long-term challenge facing Trois-Rivières, and Guadeloupe more broadly, is the widespread contamination of agricultural land by chlordécone, a pesticide banned decades ago but still present in the soil. Candidates will need to articulate concrete plans for decontaminating hundreds of hectares of farmland and mitigating the health risks associated with this pollution. FranceTVPro highlights the importance of these debates in addressing such critical issues.

Finally, the candidates will be expected to present their visions for strengthening Trois-Rivières’ economic position within the broader Caribbean region. This includes attracting investment, fostering local businesses, and creating employment opportunities.

Guadeloupe La 1ère’s Comprehensive Coverage

Guadeloupe La 1ère is not only hosting the debates but as well providing extensive coverage of the municipal and community elections. Claude Danican and Olivier Lancien will be leading the nightly program “Politique 1ère” from Monday, March 2nd, through Friday, March 6th. The program will feature the debates, as well as analysis and commentary.

The debates will be broadcast live on the radio at 6:15 PM and on television at 8:05 PM, each lasting approximately one hour. Following each debate, a condensed version highlighting the key moments will be available on digital platforms and social media. Full replays of the debates will also be accessible on the Guadeloupe La 1ère website and YouTube channel. FranceTVPro details the full broadcast schedule and digital availability.

Beyond Trois-Rivières: A Region-Wide Focus

While the initial debates focus on Trois-Rivières, the “Politique 1ère” program will cover elections across Guadeloupe. Guadeloupe La 1ère has planned a total of 15 debates, giving voters across the region a chance to hear directly from their candidates. This commitment to comprehensive coverage underscores the importance of these local elections in shaping the future of Guadeloupe.

What’s Next for the Mayoral Race?

Following the initial debates, voters will have several weeks to consider the candidates’ platforms and make their decisions. The first round of voting is scheduled for March 23rd, 2026. If no candidate secures a majority of the votes, a second round will be held on March 30th, 2026. The coming weeks will undoubtedly notice increased campaigning and further scrutiny of each candidate’s proposals. The debates represent a pivotal moment in the election cycle, offering voters a crucial opportunity to engage with the candidates and shape the future of Trois-Rivières.