June 5 is “the day” in SKN
Prime Minister Timothy Harris officially announced that June 5 will be “the day” for the people of St Kitts and Nevis (SKN) to choose a Government to lead the Federation for the next five years.
“His Excellency has further advised that Writs of Election will be issued for the election of members to serve in the National Assembly. The date for nomination of candidates will be Wednesday and those of you who are registered, will vote for the candidate of your choice on election day, Friday, June 5, 2020.”
Last week, the parliament was dissolved to make way for the nomination day on May 27.
Harris added that the upcoming election is vital in bringing certainty to the Federation, enhancing confidence in SKN and preserving the democracy.
In the interim, the Governor General, Sir S. W. Tapley Seaton, will appoint Returning Officers in all eleven (11) constituencies in the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis pursuant to the National Assembly Elections Act.
Unity vs. Labour
Team Unity, led by Harris, will face former Prime Minister Denzil Douglas, SKN’s Labour Party leader.
In the last general election held on 16 February 2015, Team Unity won seven of the eleven seats in the parliament.
Harris urged every citizen to consider the upcoming elections seriously, soberly and with maturity.
After the announcement, Douglas made and address saying the Labour Party is ready.
“The St Kitts-Nevis Labour party is prepared. It is enthusiastic and it is fully mobilised to contest the election within the rule of the law and in a manner that is free, fair and free from fear to all participating parties,” he said.
Douglas said over the past five years, the country has been going backwards under the leadership of Harris and his party would usher in a brighter future for its citizens.
Elections during COVID-19
SKN’s general elections, which is due in 19 days, will be conducted in a different environment due to COVID-19.
The Prime Minister said that the nightly curfew and weekend lockdown will remain in place and some traditional means of communicating will have to be modified.
Public meetings will be held virtually, and the Supervisor of Elections would speak on the safety measures that will take place on June 5.