PM Outlines Government's Role in Driving Electoral Process Forward
~~Adz:Left~~Basseterre, St. Kitts (January 18, 2008): Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Denzil Douglas has validated his Ministerial role in advancing the electoral process.
The St. Kitts – Nevis leader brought clarification to the issue of his responsibility as Prime Minister and Minister responsible for National Elections, explaining that it was his duty to ensure that the process runs smoothly, a process that is totally unrelated to his role as a party representative.
He revealed that based on the Constitution, the Prime Minister’s portfolio includes responsibilities for national elections. He is therefore responsible to ensure that a properly managed institution exists to ensure safe, free and fair elections.
The leader added that Ministers of government are selected from among those who are elected as representatives of a party in an election, who are subsequently called by the Prime Minister as being persons whom he deems competent to function as Ministers. He said there was therefore no conflict of interest in himself or ministerial colleagues in his ministry, participating in overseeing the process.
Prime Minister Douglas said specifically that his responsibility involves, ensuring that there is an electoral office, that persons are appointed to man the office, and that there is the conduct of an election with the necessary supporting structures for the institution to carry out its mandate.
He also stated that the role and function of the electoral commission was clearly stated in the St. Kitts and Nevis Constitution and remains an independent body.
