PPP/C DISCOVERS MISUSE OF PROXY
The People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPPC) has discovered that some eligible voters in Electoral District # 3, who do not satisfy the criteria, having been appointed proxies, based on application by known opposition persons.
The law described those who are entitled to proxy as an elector as those persons unable, or likely to be unable, to personally go to the polling place, at which he/she is registered for any of the following reasons:
- Duties of employment on Election Day either as a member of the Disciplined Forces, a Rural Constable or those connected with the elections as assigned by a Returning Officer.
- Engaged in running a vessel for the Transport and Harbours Department on Election Day
- A duly appointed candidate at the election, away from home on Election Day; and
- Blind or persons physically incapacitated.
The Returning Officers were required by Law to facilitate the inspection of the list of proxies not later than 4 th day before Election Day, but apparently this procedure was breached in many of the Electoral Districts.
PPP/C Assistant Election Agent, Ramenauth Bisram received a copy of the list (as specified by law) of 369 names and during field checks discovered that GECOM officials have not done objective field work and have approved proxies which are for persons who do not satisfy the criteria.
The PPP/C has since written to GECOM insisting that Cap 1:03 section 30 and all subsequent amendments must be followed. GECOM is being asked to immediately investigate these issues and have the specified actions by law taken against persons who may have made false declarations in completing these application for Proxy forms.
The PPP/C will remain vigilant and expose in any irregularity in relations to elections.
25 th August, 2006
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