No Elections Before Re-Registration

Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer, in his first address to the nation since his traditional New Year’s Day message, was contrite as he acknowledged that the ruling party has drifted from its positive habits of the past.

Facing the possibilities of a general or by-election sooner than expected, PM Spencer told the nation on Sunday that he is ready to talk again. He noted the urgency was prompted by the events of the past few weeks.

“I have always seen it as my duty from time to time to update you on matters of national importance," he said. "The events of the past few weeks and days have made it more urgent that as a nation, we engage each other more frequently in honest, open conversation about the things that affect us from day to day."

PM Spencer did not say whether this effort to reinvigorate the communication process is in preparation for a return to the polls. But he did make it clear that the calling of any election would hinge on cleaning up processes at the Electoral Commission, which is charged with managing the conduct of general elections.

In her judgement, that made the results of three constituencies invalid, Justice Louise Blenman was condemnatory of the commission, especially as it related to the use of a photo list of electors.

“It is also inexcusable, if not a sign of incompetence, for the electoral officers to seek to print the registers to be used in the election the day before the scheduled elections," the judge noted.

"Such a decision leaves them with no room to correct any mishap or error in a timely manner."

Prime Minister used his address to inform the nation that there will not be any elections until certain things happen, including a complete voter re-registration. He was however quick to note that it would be an arduous task.

He called Justice Blenman’s comments in relation to the performance of the Commission "instructive".

“Cabinet will be giving serious consideration to measures required to improve the system, including the possibility of a complete system of voter re-registration," the PM noted. "The human resource and financing needs of the system must also be addressed as a matter of urgency."

He was however, quick to add that his party was nonetheless prepared to take on the Antigua Labour Party.

“Let me make it clear that the United Progressive Party is ready, willing, and able to take on the Antigua Labour Party – and we believe very strongly and victoriously – at the polls if and when the time comes,” Prime Minister Spencer noted.

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