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ORG calls on govt to fix election date - and give timeframe for vote

Fri, Jul 23rd 2021, 05:27 PM
Politics Tribune Stories

AMID frenzied speculation about an early election, the Organisation of Responsible Governance wants the government to formally declare its intention for a fixed election date and/or the anticipated timeframe of the next general election.

The group believes electoral reform is what the country needs to level the playing field.
#While for months there has been speculation that Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis could call an early election, there was heightened confusion in recent days after both Progressive Liberal Party Leader Philip “Brave” Davis and House Speaker Halson Moultrie announced an expectation of an early election and a dissolution of Parliament this week.
#In a press statement, ORG’s executive director Matt Aubry said a stronger democracy would be created through fixed dates.
#He said: “If we could look at a fixed date, if we could look at more clear established rules, if we could look at more opportunities for inclusion and citizen engagement, it creates stronger democracy. I think that’s ultimately to everybody’s benefit.
#“When it comes to the issue of a fixed election date it also brings more stability regarding the individual candidate’s capacity to develop and mobilise their efforts. So, taking some of the question marks out of the process does help. So those groups, like ours, are trying to bring some more openness, transparency, and accountability to the process. It gives a more stable opportunity for that.”
#ORG’s engagement coordinator Steffon Evans echoed Mr Aubry’s sentiments saying: “Policies need to be visited that will safeguard democratic processes in The Bahamas and ensure that all parties involved have access to a system that is fair, transparent, equitable and consensus oriented.
#“Fixed election dates will be critical to mitigating uncertainty around elections. While the leader of the sitting government currently decides on the election date, a fixed date will give all political parties and independent candidates the opportunity to prepare and to engage citizens, which is also an important part of a fair electoral process.”
#While in opposition, Dr Minnis campaigned on a promise of introducing fixed election dates and term limits for Prime Ministers, but he has not delivered on this pledge.
#He has downplayed speculation about an early election, saying the next vote is not due until May 2022, however last week FNM insiders said Dr Minnis – buoyed by favourable polling numbers – may call an early election very soon.

The group believes electoral reform is what the country needs to level the playing field.

While for months there has been speculation that Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis could call an early election, there was heightened confusion in recent days after both Progressive Liberal Party Leader Philip “Brave” Davis and House Speaker Halson Moultrie announced an expectation of an early election and a dissolution of Parliament this week.

In a press statement, ORG’s executive director Matt Aubry said a stronger democracy would be created through fixed dates.

He said: “If we could look at a fixed date, if we could look at more clear established rules, if we could look at more opportunities for inclusion and citizen engagement, it creates stronger democracy. I think that’s ultimately to everybody’s benefit.

“When it comes to the issue of a fixed election date it also brings more stability regarding the individual candidate’s capacity to develop and mobilise their efforts. So, taking some of the question marks out of the process does help. So those groups, like ours, are trying to bring some more openness, transparency, and accountability to the process. It gives a more stable opportunity for that.”

ORG’s engagement coordinator Steffon Evans echoed Mr Aubry’s sentiments saying: “Policies need to be visited that will safeguard democratic processes in The Bahamas and ensure that all parties involved have access to a system that is fair, transparent, equitable and consensus oriented.

“Fixed election dates will be critical to mitigating uncertainty around elections. While the leader of the sitting government currently decides on the election date, a fixed date will give all political parties and independent candidates the opportunity to prepare and to engage citizens, which is also an important part of a fair electoral process.”

While in opposition, Dr Minnis campaigned on a promise of introducing fixed election dates and term limits for Prime Ministers, but he has not delivered on this pledge.

He has downplayed speculation about an early election, saying the next vote is not due until May 2022, however last week FNM insiders said Dr Minnis – buoyed by favourable polling numbers – may call an early election very soon.

 

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