Another snap election will disenfranchise many- Doug Wheatley
Speaking on his show on September 13, 2016, Wheatley said there were certain issues such as voter’s registration cards, a more transparent campaign financing and the inclusion of the photos of the candidates in the last general election in 2015, which has not yet shown any sign of being addressed.
According to Wheatley, his remarks were triggered by the latest announcements made reminding persons who are eligible to vote, to register to do so.
“Our election last time was held in 2015 and there were a number of issues that were highlighted that we are not satisfied with regard to that election,” he said.
“This is 2016 and I am not aware of anything that the government is doing now to reform the electoral process and there were so many things that were highlighted. I can’t understand why the government is so slow in trying to have these reforms.”
He added that in the eventuality of a “snap election” right now, with these reforms not yet done, the people will be left “disenfranchised.”
Wheatley added that he will speak more broadly on the matter on another programme.
Electoral reforms proposed by EOM
The Commonwealth Election Observer Mission (EOM) that was here to observe the June 8, 2015 general election in the Virgin Islands submitted its final report on the elections in September 2015.
It recommended a number of electoral reforms including an independent elections commission, fixed election dates and political parties subscribing to a Code of Conduct.
Meanwhile, the Office of the Supervisor of Elections is notifying eligible persons that the deadline to register to vote is September 22, 2016 for inclusion on the 2016 Official Voters List.
To be qualified to register, a person must be a Belonger or a citizen, 18 years of age or older, and domiciled in the Virgin Islands. Documents to be presented when registering are a birth certificate, Virgin Islands Passport or a Belonger’s Card. A naturalisation certificate can also be used, provided the certificate is dated before June 15, 2007.
Additionally, persons who have changed districts and wish to transfer their voting registration to their new district, can apply for a transfer on or before September 22, 2016 for inclusion in the 2016 official voters list.
Supporting documentary evidence can be in the form of cable, water or electricity bills, a rent receipt or a notarised document stating the new address.
Transfer forms are available at the Office of the Supervisor of Elections, at Post Office locations throughout the territory, at the District Offices on Anegada and Virgin Gorda, and at the Government Office on Jost Van Dyke.
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11 Responses to “Another snap election will disenfranchise many- Doug Wheatley”
Are election reforms needed? Should a date certain for election be set? Do snap elections put opposition party(s) at a disadvantage? Does the NDP have any interest in setting a date certain for election? Should not the electorate be exerting pressure on the NDP to implement the reasonable and needed reforms recommended by election observers?
Has the NDP made serious missteps? Are they in a weakened position? Why is the opposition so disorganized? Should not the people that want to lead the territory be showing their leadership skills now? Is the opposition going to wait for the 11:30 hour to fling plans together? Are new parties needed to truly represent the people's interest? Is the electorate too docile in holding government accountable and responsible?
Is the Guv on a tropical vacation and too hands off? Should the current dysfunctional power sharing be constitutionally change, i.e. Civil Service under government control? Can one manage what one does not control and control what one cannot measure? What is the electorate opinion on the Premier's leadership performance? Where does the electorate prefer to see the Premier, Medicine or Politics? What grade should be assigned to Civil Service morale? Is the morale low or high? If low how does it affect service delivery? Is there victimization in the Civil Service? Is Guy Hill being victimized?