The issue came to light Friday morning when candidate for the People’s Labour Party, Dr. Timothy Harris, was going through the usual nomination process, then asked for the voters lists. He was given one based on the new boundaries. That is fine, except there was another list missing – the one with the old boundaries, according to the candidate for constituency 7.
Some may say, ‘big deal – so what?’ Well, it has to do with the recent decision of the Court of Appeal. In granting permission for its own ruling to be challenged at the Privy Council early next week, the parties concerned agreed to several things. One of the agreements is listed as item 3 of the order.
It states, “The Electoral Commission and the Supervisor of Elections will prepare and make available two lists of voters – one on the boundaries that were existing prior to 16th January, and the other on the boundaries described in the proclamation signed on 16th January 2015, and depending on the decision of the Privy Council, will use the appropriate list for the purposes of Election, subject to the normal procedure for objectives.”
This would appear to leave room for interpretation, and we needed to get the views of the Electoral Office. Miyvue.com was unable to make contact with senior officials in the Electoral Office, and no calls have been received in response to messages left.
The same situation was the case for the nomination of Eugene Hamilton at the Stapleton Police Station – no old boundaries voters list. In each case, the candidates requested the returning officer to record their objections.
Team Unity leader Dr. Timothy Harris said he was concerned that there might be behavior that is in contempt of court.
“We are highly concerned that what appears, on the face it, to be contemptuous action in relation to a Court order, and further, we want the public to be aware of what is happening,” Dr. Harris said, as he equated the situation today with other matters in the country.
“That is why we have adopted the theme going through this campaign, ‘Restoring Democracy and Prosperity for the People’. This government has been the most undemocratic and lawless in the history of the Caribbean,” the Unity leader opined.
He said that unless the people remove “this administration”, we are going to continually have problems that undermine free and fair elections.
Meanwhile, Harris’ political opponent, Vance Gilbert of the Labour Party, turned up for his nomination, conveyed to the Cayon Police Station by way of an exuberant motorcade.
Having completed the official requirements, he told MiyVue.com that he was happy to be on his way to serving the people of his constituency.
“I am quite ecstatic. I am overjoyed to be in this position to represent the people. Ultimately, it is about the people. People first always. I am honored to be a part of the Labour Party team, to work on behalf of the people and be victorious in the polls.
As expected, both parties will host political rallies, as they contend for the vote of the electorate of St. Kitts and Nevis in the 16th February general elections.