PM Douglas reflects on sweeping electoral reform process

BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, OCTOBER 15TH 2009 (CUOPM) – Sweeping reform of the electoral process in St. Kitts and Nevis has resulted in a new Register of Voters and a National Identification Card to registered voters.
 
Reflecting on the process which began in August 2006, St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas noted that Commonwealth analysts had strongly recommended it.
 
“My own Government had long seen need for it and even opposing politicians themselves had repeatedly and stridently demanded it,” said Prime Minister Douglas during his national address to the Federation on Wednesday night.
 
He noted that as part of the electoral reform package there was widespread consultations at home and abroad.
 
“We established a new, photo-based National ID system to avoid electoral fraud.  We cleaned up the electoral lists, and created a new Voters’ Register.  New electoral boundaries were established in order to ensure greater numerical equivalency amongst and between electoral constituencies, based on constituency inhabitants.  All of this was done, not simply by my Government or my party, but by the duly empowered electoral authorities,” said Dr. Douglas.
 
“Let me say now how fortunate we in Saint Kitts and Nevis – and, indeed how fortunate our brothers and sisters throughout the Caribbean are – that we live in Constitutional democracies.  Constitutions represent solidity because what happens, and what does not happen - even in the face of unusual circumstances - is clarified by the Constitution,” said Dr. Douglas, who noted that when there is disagreement as to the way forward, again, there is the Constitution - illuminating the path - the cornerstone of stability.