By Floyd French
Observer Reporter
(Basseterre, St. Kitts) – Leader of the People’s Action Movement (PAM), Mr. Lindsay Grant, said that his party was still not pleased with the current electoral reform. However, he encouraged supporters to confirm their registration.
There are no contradictions in his party’s urge for supporters to confirm their registration and his recent declaration that PAM might not contest the next general election, Mr. Grant said. He pointed out that such a stance has been used by the Labour Party when it objected to the previous Election Act and called for electoral reform while it was in opposition.
“We will have to ensure that we are in a position to make a judgement call at the end of the day. And we cannot make a judgement call in terms of whether we proceed or not proceed in a general election unless our support base is on the voters’ list,” he added.
Grant further said he was pleased that a recent amendment to the Election Act compelled the Supervisor of Elections to investigate a challenge to a registrant’s usual place of residence. The original phrasing had given the Supervisor discretionary right to investigate.
Mr. Grant claimed that the confirmation process still continued “fraudulent registration” of voters who do not reside in the constituency in which they are registered. He also said that the confirmation process did not allow for challenges to voters who are confirming their registration. He said he had brought that issue to the attention of the Electoral Commission and he was awaiting its decision.
PAM had its 43rd Annual Caucus on March 16 at the Royal St. Kitts Hotel. The Caucus ended with Mr. Grant and Hon. Shawn Richards and Mr. Eugene Hamilton retaining the post of Political Leader and Deputy Political Leaders respectively. Mr. Chesley Hamilton did not stand for re-election as Chairman; however, he was nominated National spokesperson. The appointed post of General Secretary will be announced shortly.
Other members of the new executive are Mr. Sydney Obsorne, Chairman; Ms. Cyndie Demming, Deputy Chairperson; Ms. Avenice Jeffers, Assistant General Secretary; Mr. I. Keithly Phillip, Treasurer; and Mr. Wallis Wilkin, Public Relations Officer. PAM will hold its annual convention on March 30.
