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| Premier, the Hon Joseph Parry addressing the Electoral Reform Committee |
Charlestown Nevis (September 12, 2006) The Nevis Island Administration Cabinet led by Premier the Hon Joseph Parry, earlier today (Tuesday) met and held discussions with members of the Electoral Reform Committee at the Red Cross Building in Charlestown.
Addressing the Committee, Premier Parry who is also the leader of the Nevis Reformation Party, not only expressed the views of the Government but also the party's views on the issue of electoral reform as it relates to the island of Nevis.
In uttering several suggestions and recommendations, the Premier sought to explain each one. He looked at the idea of persons living within a particular constituency and registering within that constituency. He also looked at Nevisians living outside of Nevis and having access to the registration process.
According to the Premier, when one would have to compile a new list, especially a list for the island of Nevis, one would have to determine how one would deal with those eligible voters residing outside of Nevis.
The Nevisian Leader told the committee members that the island of Nevis was having too many elections and that a fixed date should be set in order to facilitate fewer elections, or have one general election. He attributed that to the fact that the island of Nevis participates in the Federal Election as well as the Nevis Island Election.
The subject of Commonwealth persons residing in the country after 12 months and can register to vote was also looked at. It was suggested that the set period of time should be looked at.
~~Adz:Right~~Premier Parry sought to clarify the issue. He said that it was his belief that those persons should have a vested interest in the country that they reside in before registering to vote.
In closing, the Premier sought to clarify his suggestion about the issue of election campaign(s) becoming an expensive venture.
