What was thought to be one of the most interesting debates in the National House of Assembly was heard just a few months ago at the Electoral Reform sitting. Most members expressed themselves fairly well despite numerous repetitive statements and some over-kill on certain points that were presented. Some presenters who probably were lacking substantive issues referred back to years ago when PAM did this and PAM did that. Some speakers made very little sense in relationship to the issues while others made none whatsoever.
Very special attention was paid to what the members sitting on the opposite benches had to say. Honourable Shawn Richards of the PAM made some salient points and although some were more convincing from the government benches, the process should have provided more jelling of ideas, more compromise and indeed a much better balance and clearer understanding to what has now been presented.
It’s still very troubling that as of today nothing official has been forth coming regarding rules and regulations for the newly adopted electoral reform procedures. One would have read the “Voters registration period announced” as published in The St. Kitts-Nevis Observer, Friday December 28, 2007 and many more questions than answers have now been raised. The period between December 27, 2007 and September 30, 2008, set as re-registration for all previously registered voters re-confirmation and to obtain a national identification card is presently a huge concern to the general public. This 6 paragraph, 280 words guideline information is no way near what is required for such an important and delicate issue, an issue that is the very bone of our democracy.
The process being used, the transparency questions, verification procedures and many more uncomfortable issues are being brought to the fore as we the people have grave concerns about what is likely to happen if the electorate is not comfortable with the system. Law, of course is law and the fact that a bill has passed in a federal parliament where the opposition has only 4 voices against 9 on the government side, simply do not indicate that justice was done and the process is fair. To make matters worse, where are the laws and guidelines for this all-important procedure?
My main concerns that are probably biased, are the facts that the leader of the opposition in the National House of Assembly, Honorable Mark A. G. Brantley, former Premier of Nevis, Mr. Vance W. Amory and nominated member on the opposition benches, A. Michael Perkins, spoke very forcefully and at length on matters regarding voters and the process on Nevis. They all articulated their cases with passion and stressed on factual occurrences that take place in the electoral office on Nevis. Such information and accusations brought to the Federal Parliament went unchallenged. The Honorable gentlemen made their pleas and Honorable Mark A. G. Brantley even stated that the best electoral system in the world would make no difference if the individuals who are responsible for being in charge of the process, are corrupt.
During their presentations, the three gentlemen gave instance after instance that suggests gross unfair practices, unfriendly and arrogant attitudes displayed towards individuals of perceived different political persuasions, different measures for acceptance of documentation for registration and other matters that may be challenged in court.
Have the voices on the Nevis representatives again fallen on deaf ears?
Will there be any change to the serious concerns raised about the operations of the Electoral Office in Nevis?
It has been stated that without such a change, divine intervention alone will make a difference when it comes to voting in Nevis. Although this belief is not taken seriously by some individuals the fact remains that no human has any control whatsoever over divine interventions.
We, however, do have the responsibility as elected officials within the system, to act wisely on behalf of the masses and try to stamp out wrongful, unfair and corrupt measures that glaringly affect the electoral process within our federation. I believe our Prime Minister who has the responsibility over that process should act responsively, listen to the out-crying voices against fraud and make the necessary changes within the system.
Dr. Denzil Douglas, turning a deaf ear to the cries of Nevisians through their representatives in the Federal Parliament during the electoral reform sessions is not good for democracy and should not be the way to proceed towards future elections. Turning a deaf ear to the masses of people in the federation on the newly transformed electoral process is a recipe for anarchy.
I’m pleading with you, Mr. Prime Minister, listen to our opposition members and act accordingly. Listen to the Nevisian representatives and do justice now that the ball is in your court. There might not be another opportunity afforded you to bestow some integrity on this electoral process. It is not too late to make amendments to this porous guideline.
