BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – PRIME MINISTER Dr. the Hon. Denzil Douglas has encouraged nationals living abroad to return home to vote when the impending general elections occur.
The Political Leader of the ruling Labour Party government issued this plea in his second video address to nationals living in the diaspora, which are placed biweekly on the popular Internet website YouTube.
Douglas pointed to Barack Obama’s recent inauguration as a symbol of “the exquisite power of democracy” and reassured nationals abroad they would be able to exercise their voting franchise. He revealed that the Federal Constitution dictates that Parliament must be dissolved by December of this year and that elections should be held no later than March 2010.
“I want to ensure every citizen, regardless of their current location, is heard via the ballot box. It is the government’s belief, and although we were broadly attacked and continue to be attacked for our stance on the matter, that no matter how far away you live you continue to care deeply about what happens here and so you have a right to be heard.
“Many of you probably plan to return home one day to stay, but until that time you have the right to determine who should manage the interests of this country until you are able to return,” the PM stressed.
He referenced objections made on this issue by St. Kitts’ main opposition party, the People’s Action Movement (PAM), and reinforced the government’s disagreement with its view.
“Those who disagree with us have demanded a provision that requires you to live here for three long months before you can vote in an election. There are only a few nationals abroad that are secure enough financially to stay away for months at a time, and this would result in only the very wealthiest being able to afford to vote.
“We believe in the primacy of the ballot. Democracy works best when all voices are heard. My government wants to hear your voice not only when elections occur but today and everyday,” Douglas declared.
He expressed his confidence that nationals in the Diaspora had registered and confirmed for the upcoming elections and urged them to come home to have their voices be heard.
