JUNE VOTERS LIST NOT PUBLISHED, AS EXPECTED, SO UPP PLANS TO CHALLENGE ELECTORAL COMMISSION ON LAPSE AND OTHER ALEGATIONS

The list of registered voters that was expected two days ago, on June 30, has not been published, and the United Progressive Party (UPP) says it will be registering its disapproval with the Electoral Commission.

Appearing on his weekly radio program, The Captain’s Corner, on Thursday night, Political Leader Harold Lovell says the UPP has already crafted a letter to the Commission, asking the reason for the delay.

The Party’s candidates also were disappointed that the long-awaited list did not materialize, as certain allegations are being made about transfers into certain constituencies – without the knowledge of registration clerks. 

The June list would have bee critical to proving or disproving the claims that quite a few voters have been moved to constituencies in which the governing Antigua Labour Party (ALP) has lost ground.

In the 2018 polls, for example, there were very narrow wins for the ALP in two of the rural constituencies, and a down-to-the-wire fight with the UPP for its single victory.

Accordingly, pundits say that padding of the electoral lists is something the Opposition Party must be aware of, among other maneuvers by the ALP.

Lovell says this is a development on which the Party is keeping a close eye and it will challenge any irregularities that come to light. 

He says the letter of complaint to the Commission is currently being fine-tuned by legal counsel and should be delivered on Monday, July 5.

General Elections are said to be imminent, as an amendement to the Representation of the People Act was passed in the Upper House last week, allowing the Supervisor of Elections to remain in that position until age 75.

Prime Minister Browne has also given instructions to the Commission to prepare for the polls. 

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