The Nevis Reformation Party (NRP) was represented by its leader Honorable Joseph Parry, Chairman Herman Liburd, Party Organizer Hensley Daniel and the other members of the executive, Honourable Patrice Nisbett, Robelto Hector and Alistair Yearwood at a meeting with the members of the visiting Commonwealth Assessment Mission of the Commonwealth Secretariat London.
The team is comprised of David Thompson, President of the Democratic Labour Party in Barbdos and Mr. Danville Walker, Director of Elections in Jamaica. The terms of reference were focused on assessment of arrangement for holding General Elections and to make necessary recommendations for reform where applicable.
The representatives of the Nevis Reformation Party focused on issues pertinent to the modernization of the electoral process including registration of voters, the integrity of the electoral list and voter identification.
The following issues were identified:
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An independent Electoral Commission should be established appointed with the approval of all political parties.
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The Commission should be involved in the determination of electoral boundaries.
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The powers of registration officers must be clearly defined.
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There must be voter identification cards
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There is need of a National Enumeration Exercise to facilitate the introduction of voter Id cards
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Transfers from constituency should be done continually.
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The enumeration process should be done at regular intervals.
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There should be an independent audit of the electoral process
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The procedure for registration and transfer of voters must be clear and thorough to avoid confusion.
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There should be a set aside date for election.
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There is need for Campaign Finance Reform. Matching funds should be provided to all political parties.
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All political parties must have equal access to government controlled media.
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The Registry of births and death should be linked to the electoral office to facilitate removal of the deceased for the Electoral List.
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Electoral Reform must be linked to Constitutional Reform.
Honorable Joseph Walcott Parry
President of the Nevis Reformation Party
