Moonilal questions ILP candidates’ suitability in Local Government

Acting Prime Minister Dr. Roodal Moonilal is questioning the suitability of the ILP candidates contesting the Local Government Elections.

Speaking with reporters after the opening of the 1st National Diversity Symposium on Friday, he expressed concern that unsuitable candidates could sully the democratic process.

Dr. Moonilal was previously quoted as saying that the Independent Liberal Party has been screening candidates in Alcatraz.

He elaborated on Friday, saying a number of ILP candidates have had run-ins with the law.

“Regrettably, I have also taken note of the problems faced by one party where they have, I believe several candidates, not one. One candidate I believe has been denied bail, one in San Fernando has some problems before the court, one in St. James East, I believe, this morning somebody else withdrew. It’s not my business to speak about the candidates of other parties. But I hope that this is not a sign of the process being compromised.”

Dr. Moonilal said background checks showed that there are some ILP candidates who have had to answer to the courts.

“I can tell you that I do have a list of the ILP candidates of which as much as 10 may have difficulty in satisfying the legal requirements and another five would have difficulty in terms of court matters and so on.”

Dr. Moonilal said what is more worrying is that if candidates have rap sheets, it is likely their supporters would have sketchy backgrounds as well.

Given reports of a recent shooting at an ILP meeting and also the recent appearance in court of the ILP Morvant Candidate Kerwin Bucchan on arms and ammunition charges, Minister Moonilal called for a stronger police presence at political meetings in the run-up to the October 21st Local Government Elections.

Written by C News