By Shawn Seabrookes
Reporter-SKNVibes.com
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Mr. Raphael Archibald Chairman National Advisory Electoral Reform and Boundaries Committee(NAERC) Handing over report to Hon. Sam Condor Chairman of Parliamentary Consitutional & Electoral Reforms And Boundaries Comittee
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Another significant step on the road to electoral reform took place on Tuesday morning, July 3rd, when the report from the National Advisory Electoral Reform and Advisory Committee (NAERBC), was handed over to the Chairman of the Parliamentary Constitutional and Electoral Reform and Boundaries Committee (PCERBC), during a brief ceremony at the Parliamentary Lounge, in Government Headquarters.
The move is a third step in the process to ensure that the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis enjoys a very transparent electoral system.
Mr. Raphael Archibald, MBE, Chairman of the NAERC, officially handed over their report to the Hon. Sam Condor, the Chairman of the PCERBC. Minister Condor is also the Minister with responsibility for Parliamentary Affairs.
Prior to handing over the document, Mr. Archibald told the audience that it was privilege for him and his counterparts on the NAERBC to be entrusted with such a prestigious opportunity to serve the country.
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| Hon. Sam Condor Chairman of Parliamentary Consitutional & Electoral Reforms And Boundaries Comittee |
He indicated that there were several obstacles, most notable one in which some information was released to a local media house even before the relevant authorities were able to fully peruse the report. However, even through such they were able advance and present their findings to the PCERBC.
Minister Condor in accepting the document said that he was particularly pleased that the process toward transparency and accountability in the electoral process was moving one step further and pledged his very best in service, along with his other colleagues to the process.
He reiterated that St. Kitts and Nevis was the first to undertake such a process in the Caribbean and indicated that such speaks to the objectives of his Labour Party Administration.
The PCERBC consists of the Hon. Sam Condor, the Hon. Dwyer Astaphan, Hon. Dennis Merchant, Hon. Patrice Roberts, Hon. Shawn Richards and a replacement for the late Hon. Malcolm Guishard.
Prior to the PCERBC and the NAERC, the Electoral Reform and Consultative Committee (ERCC) conducted extensive consultations with the general public to establish a framework on how to best deal with the issue of electoral reform.
The whole issue of electoral reform came about because of consistent calls from the general public and the honouring of a pledge from Prime Minister Douglas, in which he said he will facilitate meaningful reform, once his Labour Party got in power.
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| Mr. Raphael Archibald Chairman National Advisory Electoral Reform and Boundaries Committee(NAERC) |
For years, the whole issue of electoral reform has been a major issue, especially leading up to elections after accusations have been made against each of the participating political parties of election rigging.
After the PCERBC has considered the report, they will pass on their findings to the Boundaries Technical Committee.
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