Michael
The cornerstone of any democracy is the independence of the process used to elect a government. Governments should not and should not be seen to interfere in that process.
The Cabinet’s announcement that it will launch an investigation into the registration of voters in the electoral area of Saint Peter is an indictment of the independence of that cornerstone of our democracy. It violates the integrity of the Electoral Commission and its officials, as well as the Supervisor of Elections. It seeks in part, if not in whole, to usurp their functions which are provided for in our laws.
What it suggests is an unconstitutional strategy to manipulate the results of the upcoming general election in the St. Peter area. It still appears to be an attack on the right to vote, designed to undermine the candidacy of the incumbent Representative through selective suppression of voter registration.
It is not the Cabinet’s job to investigate voter registration. This is the sole competence of the Electoral Commission. If any candidate or resident wishes to object to the registration of any person within a constituency, express provisions are laid down in the Representation of the People Act. This is the “Claims and Objections” process and it is well defined and known to all.
Everyone would be aware that the success of the National Housing programs has brought about a significant increase in the population of the constituency of Saint Peter.
The government would better and rightly use its resources in providing acceptable roads, clinics and schools equipped in this consistency, instead of interfering in the electoral process.
It’s determination to undermine Asot Michael’s candidacy is not only illegal but also morally reprehensible.
We call on the General Prosecutor to stand up and prevent this “illegal departure [of] an investigation” using state resources for personal political gain.
Hon Asot Michael will continue to encourage/mobilize citizens to register and thereby prepare to participate in free and fair elections. The question of the validity of the registration and/or transfer of registration is strictly a matter for the Election Commission, the Supervisor of Elections and the various election officials engaged by law to perform the voter registration function. The MP for the St Peters constituency remains confident that election officials will fulfill their duties under the law, despite the scare tactics emanating from Cabinet.
Honorable Asot Michael further notes that in defiance of existing court orders, some ABLP members have denied him access to Scrutineers in his constituency. Controllers are election officials with specific responsibilities in the voter registration process to ensure the validity of the address qualification of persons applying to register. They report to the Party and not to the Government.
It is a character of the current Leadership of this Country that it continues to praise and disregard the Laws of our Land. Our Constitution and our electoral law ensure that the Electoral Commission, in the exercise of its functions, shall act impartially and independently of any political or governmental influence and shall not be subject to the direction or control of any other person or authority.
See also
This proposed Cabinet inquiry into voter registration is another example of this misconduct which, if left unchecked, threatens to erode into a culture of lawlessness.
The citizens of Antigua and Barbuda must stand firm against this abuse of power and this disgraceful behavior by the Cabinet.
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