Political parties to meet to discuss proposal to clean up voters’ list

The political parties which are represented in Parliament will meet next week with the Supervisor of Elections to review a draft proposal for an amendment to the Representation of the People Act.

The Unity Labour Party (ULP) and the New Democratic Party (NDP) are said to have been invited to a meeting with supervisor of elections Sylvia Findlay at the Anglican Pastoral Centre on Tuesday, March 17, beginning at 10:00 a.m.{{more}}

For years, there have been complaints that the voters list is bloated, mainly with the names of persons who have migrated and have been overseas for more than five years. While the Supervisor of Elections has the authority to remove such names from the list, she has to be satisfied that there is enough evidence to do so.

According to the Representation of the People Act, there are four situations in which a voter’s name can be removed: if a citizen resides outside of the country for five years or more; the death of the voter; if an objection to the voter’s registration has been allowed; or if the voter has been disqualified under any law for registration of exercising his/her right to vote.

The Supervisor of Elections has suggested that legislation be passed so that anyone who does not have one of the newer ID cards issued in 2004 or 2005, must re-register for their name to remain on the voters’ list.

It is estimated that 37,295 names stand to be removed, should the amendment be approved in Parliament.

General Elections are constitutionally due in St Vincent and the Grenadines by March 2016.