President Charles Savarin has revealed reasons behind his refusal to postpone the December 6 elections date. He cited Section 12 of the House of Assembly Election Act and Subsection 19 (1) (D) of the same act as they apply to his powers to shift election dates. He said the provisions only empower him to change election dates in the event that he is not satisfied that the elections will be free and fair.
According to the president, he can only postpone the election date where it is obvious that the electoral list for any one constituency or for all constituencies will not be ready and printed before the date announced for elections to hold. He said he is also empowered to change election dates where it is demonstrated that voting supplies or materials required for exercise will not be available or sufficient on the chosen election date.
President Savarin said none of the listed situations is the case, and he therefore sees no reason to push the election date forward. He said he is assured that all voting materials are in place for voting to hold; and that electoral list for all constituencies are printed and ready for use.
Meanwhile, he cautioned protesters to stop disturbing the public peace and destroying public property. He called on authority figures everywhere to condemn the violence orchestrated by the opposition in Marigot and other parts of the country.
“I have seen videos of disruptive behaviour in Marigot,” President Savarin said. “I have also seen videos of the Bishop of Roseau being harassed and verbally abused in the most shameful manner by the protesters in Marigot. This is reprehensible behaviour which I condemn without reservation.”
He further tasked professional bodies, community-based organizations, and religious leaders to condemn the attack on the Bishop of Roseau and the widespread violence that is sweeping across the country. He also commended the police for exercising restraints in dealing with protesters so that there is no escalation of violence and no lives were lost.
The president also disclosed that he held several meetings with stakeholders over the past two weeks to discuss the electoral reform issue, as well as to douse rising tensions in the polity. He urged everyone to go about their normal business and to conduct themselves in a respectful and responsible manner.
“We all have a responsibility to abide by the provisions of the law and to promote the upkeep of law and order throughout this land that God has blessed us with,” Savarin noted.
This article is copyright © 2019 DOM767
