KAMLA HAILS COURT OF APPEAL RULING

The UNC welcomes the historic and landmark ruling by the Court of Appeal in favour of the petitioners who challenged the results of the last general election in six constituencies. This is a victory for democracy and the people of Trinidad and Tobago who are entitled to a system of elections that is free, fair and in accordance with the Constitution.

This judgement is a vindication of the decision by the political leader to publicly support these election petitions in the public interest. The overriding objective is to protect the cherished principles of our democracy that were enshrined in the Constitution as the supreme law of the land.

No man or entity is above the law and hence the EBC is itself subject to the Constitution from which it derives its powers. We maintain that there is a strong case that the decision to extend the time for voting by one hour was illegal and unfair. It put the UNC election machinery and supporters at a great disadvantage and contravened both the spirit and letter of the law.

We note that in addition to these election petitions, there are two other matters before the court namely, a judicial review challenging the decision of the EBC and a constitutional motion brought by two aggrieved citizens from Tobago who claim they were the victims of discrimination. It is very strange, to say the least, that the EBC did not similarly extend the time for voting in Tobago.

The victory today paves the way for a full-scale trial of these election petitions. Ordinary citizens from all walks of life who were affected by the decision or who may be in possession of relevant information can now come forward and let their voices be heard so that justice can be done.

Many aggrieved citizens who were turned away at the polls when they went to cast their vote after 6.00 pm will no doubt let their voices be heard. The chaos and confusion that followed the sudden decision by the EBC to extend the voting time will now be the subject of judicial scrutiny. Conflicting information and opinions saw many polling stations remaining closed whilst others allowed people to vote in the midst of the prevailing uncertainty as to what the true and correct position was.

As we welcome the ruling by the Court of Appeal, we urge the public to join with us in placing our faith in our independent and fair Judiciary so that justice can be done according to law.

Kamla Persad-Bissessar, SC, MP,
Political Leader of the United National Congress