Team Unity sweeps polls in St Kitts/Nevis

Following the appointment of a new administration in St Kitts and Nevis after its general election was held on Monday, February 16, both the Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves and the Leader of the Opposition Arnhim Eustace have congratulated the twin-island nation on successfully {{more}}doing so in a peaceful manner.

In a press release dated February 17, the Prime Minister said that the verdict of the people must be accepted in “the highest traditions of… democracy” in our Caribbean civilization.

“The democratic institution of State, namely the Law Courts and the General Elections, have worked satisfactorily, despite hiccups along the way,” stated Gonsalves.

“Peace, patience and an enduring calm are requisites now more than ever for the political leaders, civil society and the people of St Kitts and Nevis. Mature political leadership, wedded to the values of democracy, constitutionalism, law and order is especially required.”

According to the Supervisor of Elections in St Kitts Nevis, Team Unity – comprised of the People’s Labour Party (of Dr Timothy Harris), People’ Action Movement and Concerned Citizens Movement – won seven of the 11 parliamentary seats; while St Kitts Nevis Labour Party (SKNLP) (of Dr Denzil Douglas) won three, and Nevis Reformation Party won one seat.

Constituencies 1, 4, 5, 7, 9 and 10 have been confirmed as being won by Team Unity; and Constituencies 2, 3 and 6 were taken by SKNLP. Constituencies 8 and 11 are awaiting confirmation.

However, Prime Minister Gonsalves, a political ally of former prime minister Dr Denzil Douglas, expressed “disappointment” in the tardiness of the office of the Supervisor of Elections in officially declaring the results of the preliminary count and putting appropriate measures in place to “effect the final count in accordance with the law and established practice.

“This… has given rise to unnecessary political uncertainty, particularly against the backdrop of the controversies surrounding the motion of no-confidence against the government and the alteration of the constituency boundaries,” said Gonsalves.

“It is not acceptable for the office of the Supervisor of Elections to abdicate its legal and customary obligations or responsibilities.”

Speaking with SVG Broadcasting Corporation on Wednesday, February 18, the Opposition Leader (who has long spoken out against the Dr Douglas-led administration in this two-year political fiasco) said that he does not wish to see a repeat of the situation in St Kitts/Nevis anywhere else in the region.

“We can’t twist and turn on this like a football game,” he admonished.

Eustace said that he is confident that the newly-elected Prime Minister Dr Timothy Harris will lead Team Unity and the country forward successfully.

“The way he has handled this whole process… tells me that he is a leader,” asserted Eustace. “He took no rash actions; he abided by the law.”

He also said that his respect of Prime Minister, Harris has increased, because he urged the Kittitian public to keep calm during elections in the face of “much provocation.”

Dr Denzil Douglas had been the prime minister of St. Kitts & Nevis, which has a population of 54,000, since 1995.