Confirmation process extended
By L.K. Hewlett
Editor- SKNVibes.com
Basseterre, St. Kitts – Following almost a week of crowding at the Electoral Offices in St. Kitts and Nevis, voters attempting to confirm their registration before yesterday’s (Sept. 30) deadline were elated to hear that the time had been extended by four days.
Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas signed off on the extension yesterday, announcing that “the period from 27th December 2007 to 30th September 2008 that was designated as the Registration Period pursuant to the National Assembly Elections (Appointment of Registration Period) Order is hereby extended to the 4th October 2008”.
Despite having a 9-month period in which to confirm their voter registration, hundreds of nationals and residents lined up in extreme weather conditions and even late into the night in order to guarantee their eligibility to vote in the next general elections which are constitutionally due in 2009.
Supervisor of Elections and Chief Registration Officer Leroy Benjamin Sr. on
ce again encouraged persons to make use of the additional days as those who do not confirm their voter registration before the given period would have to begin the process “from scratch”.
He also noted that the statistics for the confirmation exercise would be released following cessation of the process.
The general public was also informed that collection of National Identification Cards would be temporarily suspended in order to expedite the confirmation process; however persons registering to vote for the first time can continue to do so at the Electoral Offices on both islands as well as at any temporary facilities established to conduct said process.
The confirmation exercise is a part of the Electoral Reform process that began in 2007 following an extensive national consultative process with the local public and at strategic overseas locations for nationals and residents living abroad. The confirmation process is being carried out with the view of creating a new Voter’s List. ~~Adz:Left~~
