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| St. Kitts and Nevis Information Service |
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Basseterre, St. Kitts (April 04, 2007): Electoral Reform in St. Kitts and Nevis is "alive and well and progressing smoothly."
This was revealed by Chairman of the National Advisory Electoral Reform and Boundaries Committee Raphael Archibald during an interview for SKNIS' radio programme Perspectives.
Mr. Archibald explained that his 12-member committee has been working diligently since the handover of the Electoral Reform Consultative Committee (ERCC) report on February 01, 2007. The report contained the opinions and suggestions of nationals living at home and abroad on various topics such as voter eligibility and registration, campaign financing and voting procedures
on Election Day.
Mr. Archibald said that the public played its part during the work of the ERCC and now it was time for his committee to complete its task.
"My committee is . looking at the issues and recommendations presented from the consultations, analyzing them and carrying out the mandate that was given to us in the White Paper," he disclosed, referring to the document which outlines the preferred steps through which consultation with all stakeholders and implementation of electoral reform will be pursued.
"Unlike the (ERCC), my committee does not meet with the public. It makes no sense whatsoever to have the (ERCC) report circulating the public domain at this time, while we are in the process of dealing with it."
The National Advisory Electoral Reform and Boundaries Committee Chairman explained that a lot of information is contained within the ERCC report but an end was in sight when his committee would complete their work.
"Time spans have been given in the White paper but they were approximations," he revealed. "My committee which has been working since the 14th of February will finalize its work this month, April." ~~adz:Right~~
Archibald stressed that he was excited to be a part of this historical and monumental exercise. "I am glad to be involved in this process. It's very enlightening," he stated. "I think that the eventual outcome of our work will see our work, the electoral process . improved and all of these improvements will be based on what the public has recommended."
The recommendations from the National Advisory Electoral Reform and Boundaries Committee will be presented to the Parliamentary Constitutional and Electoral Reform and Boundaries Committee. This body will be chaired by
Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Sam Condor.
The full interview with Mr. Archibald can be heard on Sunday's rebroadcast of SKNIS Perspectives at 1:00 p.m. on ZIZ Radio or anytime on demand at www.gov.kn <http://www.gov.kn/> by clicking the audio/visual link. |
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