By Brent Dean ~ Guardian Senior Reporter ~ brentldean@nasguard.com:
While expressing disappointment in the Election Court result, defeated Free National Movement Elizabeth candidate Dr. Duane Sands indicated that he expects to run again for the constituency seat and to be successful in the next race.
"I want to say thank you to the people of Elizabeth. They are truly the victors here. They are the people that this is all about and certainly I look forward to representing them in the House of Assembly, and that they could bank on," said Dr. Sands outside the Supreme Court yesterday.
Dr. Sands was ahead by two regular votes after the Elizabeth recount.
However, the Election Court yesterday allowed all five protest votes cast for Progressive Liberal Party candidate Ryan Pinder, making Pinder the MP-elect for the constituency.
"Well I think, obviously, this is a disappointing ruling but I think in our democracy we certainly must pay respect to the edict, or the ruling of our justices. We'll sit and reflect and we'll make a determination as to what the next step is," said Dr. Sands.
FNM chairman Carl Bethel said that the judges made "new law" in making the determination that led to yesterday's decision.
In the case, the FNM did not accept that all the constituents who voted on protest ballots were legally entitled to vote in Elizabeth – the FNM eventually conceded that voters C and E were entitled to vote.
The court, however, validated all five votes for the PLP and another for Bahamas Democratic Movement candidate Cassius Stuart.
This case was the first under section 69 of the Parliamentary Elections Act.
This part of the Act refers to the procedure to determine elections when the number of protest votes cast outnumber the margin of victory in an election.
National Security Minister Tommy Turnquest said that amendments to the Parliamentary Elections Act may be necessary as a result of the ruling.
"It (the ruling) speaks to where a person is eligible to be registered, at what stage if they move should they be transferred off the register and whose responsibility that is to have them transferred," he said.
"And so obviously there will be questions that we will have to look at as a Parliament — as a country — and determine in the most broadest consultative way how we want to move forward in our parliamentary democracy to ensure free and fair elections."
There are no appeals of the decisions of the Election Court.
Bethel said, however, that there may be some legal points they may be able to appeal to some court in order to look at the constitutional validity of parts of the decision in the Elizabeth Election Court case.
March 24, 2010
thenassauguardian
A political blog about Bahamian politics in The Bahamas, Bahamian Politicans - and the entire Bahamas political lot. Bahamian Blogger Dennis Dames keeps you updated on the political news and views throughout the islands of The Bahamas without fear or favor. Bahamian Politicians and the Bahamian Political Arena: Updates one Post at a time on Bahamas Politics and Bahamas Politicans; and their local, regional and international policies and perspectives.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
The Office of the Attorney General to review by-election ruling
By Candia Dames ~ Guardian News Editor ~ candia@nasguard.com:
Prime Minister and Free National Movement Leader Hubert Ingraham said yesterday evening the Office of the Attorney General will review the decision of the Election Court, which was handed down in favor of the Progressive Liberal Party and its Elizabeth candidate Ryan Pinder.
The justices validated all of the five protest votes cast in Pinder's favor in the February 16 by-election, resulting in him winning by three votes.
But Ingraham indicated that the FNM has concerns about the reasoning behind the decision.
Making it clear that he was speaking in his capacity as prime minister, Ingraham said, "We were surprised by the reasoning for the decision of the Election Court. It is outside anything we have known up to now as to the meaning of our law. We will therefore have the Office of the Attorney General undertake a review of the decision so that determinations can be made as to the extent to which any consideration ought to be given to either amending the law or calling upon a higher court to determine the validity of the reasoning issued by the court.
"It is our purpose and intent to ensure that orderly, fair and predictable elections are held in The Bahamas."
Ingraham called a press conference at FNM headquarters. It was held shortly after he returned from Inter-American Development Bank meetings in Cancun, Mexico.
The majority of his comments were made in his capacity as leader of the FNM.
"The Free National Movement accepts the court's decision in regard to the final count in the Elizabeth by-election. As I have previously stated, elections should be won on the ground, not in the court," he said as a packed room of FNM supporters looked on.
"Accordingly, the FNM does not propose to do what the PLP did after the last general election and tie up the courts with all manner of electoral challenges. While we may not see eye to eye with the court's reasoning in this case we honor its authority and its final determination.
"We honor also the will of the majority of the voters in the Elizabeth constituency and we will continue to honor the will of the majority of Bahamian people who reposed their trust in the FNM in the 2007 general election. In our democracy, every vote counts. Today, after all of the eligible votes have been counted, the PLP retained a seat they won in the last election with a majority of 45 votes. We are grateful to the people of the Elizabeth constituency for their support of Dr. Duane Sands and the FNM. We are pleased by the fact that we reduced the PLP's margin in Elizabeth during these especially difficult economic times. We are also pleased that we reduced the PLP's margin in Elizabeth by a sizable amount, 42 votes."
The by-election became necessary after Malcolm Adderley — who won the seat in 2002 and 2007 on the PLP's ticket — resigned at the beginning of this year from the PLP and the House of Assembly.
The FNM had hoped that Dr. Duane Sands would fill the seat.
"Duane Sands has a bright future in the political and public life of The Bahamas," Ingraham said yesterday. Asked whether he was planning on appointing Sands to the Senate, the prime minister said, "No. I'm going to have him elected to the House."
He also said, "The country and the FNM need his energy, his dedication and his passion for the empowerment of the people of Elizabeth and the wider Bahamas. Now, the by-election is over and the court case is done. The business of government continues. One of the first orders of business in terms of Elizabeth is to ensure that the promises we made as the government of the day to the people of that constituency are honored. We are a government and party that matches our words with our deeds."
Once again, the Election Court justices raised concerns about the parliamentary election process and spoke to the need for the Parliamentary Registration Department to have the necessary resources to do its job.
Ingraham said, "Because fair and well run elections are essential to the democratic process, we are working to reform and upgrade the registration process that was left in a chaotic and confused state because of PLP inaction and incompetence. That work has already begun. The Parliamentary Registration Department will begin a new voters register in April. In the remaining time of our mandate we will work to ensure that economic recovery is followed by economic prosperity. We will continue to vigorously confront crime and its root causes. We will continue to put in place the building blocks for a sustainable national health insurance plan..."
Asked whether it is his view that Parliamentary Commissioner Errol Bethel should resign in light of the strong criticisms of the Election Court, the prime minister pointed out that the parliamentary commissioner has constitutional protection, just like judges.
"They are both constitutionally protected from removal from office except for cause," he noted. "And the same provisions that apply to judges apply to the parliamentary commissioner in terms of the removal from office. There is no basis upon which I can conceive of that will require the removal of the parliamentary commissioner from office. I do not blame the parliamentary commissioner for anything. He did his job."
Providing a further response to the determination of the Election Court, Ingraham said, "It has never entered my head that in The Bahamas it is possible for someone who is not registered to vote, who has no voter's card, whose name is not on a voter's list to be able to show up on election day and vote. I never knew that was possible in The Bahamas.
"I never knew it was possible in The Bahamas for me to be registered in one constituency, move to another constituency, do not transfer my voter's card, show up with a voter's card that says I'm in the other constituency, show up with a driver's license actually, and have my vote cast and my vote counted. I never knew that was possible in The Bahamas."
March 24, 2010
thenassauguardian
Prime Minister and Free National Movement Leader Hubert Ingraham said yesterday evening the Office of the Attorney General will review the decision of the Election Court, which was handed down in favor of the Progressive Liberal Party and its Elizabeth candidate Ryan Pinder.
The justices validated all of the five protest votes cast in Pinder's favor in the February 16 by-election, resulting in him winning by three votes.
But Ingraham indicated that the FNM has concerns about the reasoning behind the decision.
Making it clear that he was speaking in his capacity as prime minister, Ingraham said, "We were surprised by the reasoning for the decision of the Election Court. It is outside anything we have known up to now as to the meaning of our law. We will therefore have the Office of the Attorney General undertake a review of the decision so that determinations can be made as to the extent to which any consideration ought to be given to either amending the law or calling upon a higher court to determine the validity of the reasoning issued by the court.
"It is our purpose and intent to ensure that orderly, fair and predictable elections are held in The Bahamas."
Ingraham called a press conference at FNM headquarters. It was held shortly after he returned from Inter-American Development Bank meetings in Cancun, Mexico.
The majority of his comments were made in his capacity as leader of the FNM.
"The Free National Movement accepts the court's decision in regard to the final count in the Elizabeth by-election. As I have previously stated, elections should be won on the ground, not in the court," he said as a packed room of FNM supporters looked on.
"Accordingly, the FNM does not propose to do what the PLP did after the last general election and tie up the courts with all manner of electoral challenges. While we may not see eye to eye with the court's reasoning in this case we honor its authority and its final determination.
"We honor also the will of the majority of the voters in the Elizabeth constituency and we will continue to honor the will of the majority of Bahamian people who reposed their trust in the FNM in the 2007 general election. In our democracy, every vote counts. Today, after all of the eligible votes have been counted, the PLP retained a seat they won in the last election with a majority of 45 votes. We are grateful to the people of the Elizabeth constituency for their support of Dr. Duane Sands and the FNM. We are pleased by the fact that we reduced the PLP's margin in Elizabeth during these especially difficult economic times. We are also pleased that we reduced the PLP's margin in Elizabeth by a sizable amount, 42 votes."
The by-election became necessary after Malcolm Adderley — who won the seat in 2002 and 2007 on the PLP's ticket — resigned at the beginning of this year from the PLP and the House of Assembly.
The FNM had hoped that Dr. Duane Sands would fill the seat.
"Duane Sands has a bright future in the political and public life of The Bahamas," Ingraham said yesterday. Asked whether he was planning on appointing Sands to the Senate, the prime minister said, "No. I'm going to have him elected to the House."
He also said, "The country and the FNM need his energy, his dedication and his passion for the empowerment of the people of Elizabeth and the wider Bahamas. Now, the by-election is over and the court case is done. The business of government continues. One of the first orders of business in terms of Elizabeth is to ensure that the promises we made as the government of the day to the people of that constituency are honored. We are a government and party that matches our words with our deeds."
Once again, the Election Court justices raised concerns about the parliamentary election process and spoke to the need for the Parliamentary Registration Department to have the necessary resources to do its job.
Ingraham said, "Because fair and well run elections are essential to the democratic process, we are working to reform and upgrade the registration process that was left in a chaotic and confused state because of PLP inaction and incompetence. That work has already begun. The Parliamentary Registration Department will begin a new voters register in April. In the remaining time of our mandate we will work to ensure that economic recovery is followed by economic prosperity. We will continue to vigorously confront crime and its root causes. We will continue to put in place the building blocks for a sustainable national health insurance plan..."
Asked whether it is his view that Parliamentary Commissioner Errol Bethel should resign in light of the strong criticisms of the Election Court, the prime minister pointed out that the parliamentary commissioner has constitutional protection, just like judges.
"They are both constitutionally protected from removal from office except for cause," he noted. "And the same provisions that apply to judges apply to the parliamentary commissioner in terms of the removal from office. There is no basis upon which I can conceive of that will require the removal of the parliamentary commissioner from office. I do not blame the parliamentary commissioner for anything. He did his job."
Providing a further response to the determination of the Election Court, Ingraham said, "It has never entered my head that in The Bahamas it is possible for someone who is not registered to vote, who has no voter's card, whose name is not on a voter's list to be able to show up on election day and vote. I never knew that was possible in The Bahamas.
"I never knew it was possible in The Bahamas for me to be registered in one constituency, move to another constituency, do not transfer my voter's card, show up with a voter's card that says I'm in the other constituency, show up with a driver's license actually, and have my vote cast and my vote counted. I never knew that was possible in The Bahamas."
March 24, 2010
thenassauguardian
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
PLP's Ryan Pinder wins Elizabeth following court ruling
tribune242:
1:16pm – The court has just ruled that 3/4 of the costs will be paid by the Parliamentary Commissioner and the remaining 1/4 by the 3rd respondent, the FNM's Dr Duane Sands.
1:14pm – Lead counsel for the FNM's Dr Duane Sands, Thomas Evans, QC, just spoke with The Tribune and said that once he's had a chance to read the ruling completely he will advise his client on whether further steps should be taken, and said there may well be further steps.
1:06pm – For clarification, the justices actually ruled that all 6 votes that had been protested on election day be counted. Five of them were cast for the PLP's Ryan Pinder, giving him a final 3 vote lead over the FNM's Dr Duane Sands. The other vote had been cast for the BDM's Cassius Stuart, but in no way affected the final outcome.
12:52pm – A loud eruption of cheering broke out when the PLP supporters waiting outside the courtroom heard that their candidate Ryan Pinder had been declared the winner of the Elizabeth constituency seat. PLP leader Perry Christie went outside during the break and was shaking hands with supporters.
12:50pm – Court has been adjourned for a few minutes to allow the judges to deliberate over who should pay costs for this case and how the costs should be divided. The argument has been made that the Parliamentary Commissioner's office should assume a significant portion of the costs as it turned out that the votes were protested because of errors in the registration process.
12:41pm – The proceedings continue with debate over who should be required to pay election court costs.
12pm – Senior Justice Anita Allen has just ruled that following the hearing and deliberation, all five protested votes will be counted. This ruling puts the PLP's Ryan Pinder ahead by three votes. Allen warned the packed courtroom that she would not tolerate any outbursts before she began and when the results were read, there was complete silence in the courtroom.
11:33am – Everyone involved in the Elizabeth by-election court case is now inside the courtroom and proceedings have begun. The courtroom is filled to capacity.
10:58am – A crowd of about 50 curious onlookers and supporters of both the Free National Movement and the Progressive Liberal Party have gathered outside the court hearing the Elizabeth by-election case.
Senior Justice Anita Allen and Jon Isaacs who have been presiding over the case have just arrived at court, but the two candidates vying for the parliamentary seat – FNM's Dr Duane Sands and PLP's Ryan Pinder have not been spotted.
When the case is scheduled to resume at 11:30 today, a ruling will be given as whether any of the five protested votes cast for Pinder will be counted. Pinder needs three votes to be declared the winner of the election. A two vote gain for Pinder would result in another election.
March 23,2010
tribune242
1:16pm – The court has just ruled that 3/4 of the costs will be paid by the Parliamentary Commissioner and the remaining 1/4 by the 3rd respondent, the FNM's Dr Duane Sands.
1:14pm – Lead counsel for the FNM's Dr Duane Sands, Thomas Evans, QC, just spoke with The Tribune and said that once he's had a chance to read the ruling completely he will advise his client on whether further steps should be taken, and said there may well be further steps.
1:06pm – For clarification, the justices actually ruled that all 6 votes that had been protested on election day be counted. Five of them were cast for the PLP's Ryan Pinder, giving him a final 3 vote lead over the FNM's Dr Duane Sands. The other vote had been cast for the BDM's Cassius Stuart, but in no way affected the final outcome.
12:52pm – A loud eruption of cheering broke out when the PLP supporters waiting outside the courtroom heard that their candidate Ryan Pinder had been declared the winner of the Elizabeth constituency seat. PLP leader Perry Christie went outside during the break and was shaking hands with supporters.
12:50pm – Court has been adjourned for a few minutes to allow the judges to deliberate over who should pay costs for this case and how the costs should be divided. The argument has been made that the Parliamentary Commissioner's office should assume a significant portion of the costs as it turned out that the votes were protested because of errors in the registration process.
12:41pm – The proceedings continue with debate over who should be required to pay election court costs.
12pm – Senior Justice Anita Allen has just ruled that following the hearing and deliberation, all five protested votes will be counted. This ruling puts the PLP's Ryan Pinder ahead by three votes. Allen warned the packed courtroom that she would not tolerate any outbursts before she began and when the results were read, there was complete silence in the courtroom.
11:33am – Everyone involved in the Elizabeth by-election court case is now inside the courtroom and proceedings have begun. The courtroom is filled to capacity.
10:58am – A crowd of about 50 curious onlookers and supporters of both the Free National Movement and the Progressive Liberal Party have gathered outside the court hearing the Elizabeth by-election case.
Senior Justice Anita Allen and Jon Isaacs who have been presiding over the case have just arrived at court, but the two candidates vying for the parliamentary seat – FNM's Dr Duane Sands and PLP's Ryan Pinder have not been spotted.
When the case is scheduled to resume at 11:30 today, a ruling will be given as whether any of the five protested votes cast for Pinder will be counted. Pinder needs three votes to be declared the winner of the election. A two vote gain for Pinder would result in another election.
March 23,2010
tribune242
Carl Bethel - Free National Movement (FNM) chairman says party won't name candidates yet for the next general election
By Brent Dean ~ Guardian Senior Reporter ~ brentldean@nasguard.com:
Free National Movement (FNM) Chairman Carl Bethel has confirmed that the governing party will not be announcing candidates for the next general election at this time, as has been done by the opposition party.
"We are not involved in that process as of yet," said Bethel yesterday in an interview.
PLP leader Perry Christie told The Nassau Guardian on Sunday that the nomination and selection process would be ongoing in that party.
The PLP ratified four candidates last Thursday.
Senators Jerome Fitzgerald (Marathon), Michael Halkitis (Golden Isles), Hope Strachan (Sea Breeze) and Dr. Kendal Major (Garden Hills) will run for the PLP in the next general election.
Christie added that it's important to ratify and introduce candidates to the various constituents as early as possible because of the changing needs of Bahamians and what they look for in their respective representatives.
Bethel said he is not surprised that the PLP moved to nominate candidates early.
"Oppositions do that type of thing. That's standard fare for opposition parties – that you nominate your candidates early in an attempt to, in a sense, give them a little stature when they go out into the field," he said.
As time goes, Christie confirmed that the PLP would name its candidates on a steady basis.
A party source said that it is possible that the PLP would continuously name candidates for seats it does not currently hold each month at its National General Council meeting.
The process of deciding which sitting PLP MP will or will not again receive nominations will take more time, the source said.
A general election must be held by 2012.
If Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham waits until then to call the poll, it would mean that the PLP began the ratification process two years before the general election.
In 2007, even though Christie called the general election, the PLP did not announce its slate of candidates until about six weeks before the vote.
The FNM's chairman said his party would not be directed with its candidate selection process based on the moves by the PLP.
"We at least have the ability to have a little more say over the timing of events. While it is necessary to always have regard to the political dimension, what the Bahamian people need right now from the governing party is government," he said.
"What the country needs is a steady hand on the tiller leading this country in correct direction and to take decisions that are based on the best interests of the Bahamian people and not on political considerations."
Bethel said this is what the government is focused on.
It is still unclear if Prime Minister Ingraham will lead the FNM into the next general election. Ingraham has said he would inform the country of his decision by the end of the year.
Christie has confirmed his intention to run again as PLP leader.
March 23, 2010
thenassauguardian
Free National Movement (FNM) Chairman Carl Bethel has confirmed that the governing party will not be announcing candidates for the next general election at this time, as has been done by the opposition party.
"We are not involved in that process as of yet," said Bethel yesterday in an interview.
PLP leader Perry Christie told The Nassau Guardian on Sunday that the nomination and selection process would be ongoing in that party.
The PLP ratified four candidates last Thursday.
Senators Jerome Fitzgerald (Marathon), Michael Halkitis (Golden Isles), Hope Strachan (Sea Breeze) and Dr. Kendal Major (Garden Hills) will run for the PLP in the next general election.
Christie added that it's important to ratify and introduce candidates to the various constituents as early as possible because of the changing needs of Bahamians and what they look for in their respective representatives.
Bethel said he is not surprised that the PLP moved to nominate candidates early.
"Oppositions do that type of thing. That's standard fare for opposition parties – that you nominate your candidates early in an attempt to, in a sense, give them a little stature when they go out into the field," he said.
As time goes, Christie confirmed that the PLP would name its candidates on a steady basis.
A party source said that it is possible that the PLP would continuously name candidates for seats it does not currently hold each month at its National General Council meeting.
The process of deciding which sitting PLP MP will or will not again receive nominations will take more time, the source said.
A general election must be held by 2012.
If Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham waits until then to call the poll, it would mean that the PLP began the ratification process two years before the general election.
In 2007, even though Christie called the general election, the PLP did not announce its slate of candidates until about six weeks before the vote.
The FNM's chairman said his party would not be directed with its candidate selection process based on the moves by the PLP.
"We at least have the ability to have a little more say over the timing of events. While it is necessary to always have regard to the political dimension, what the Bahamian people need right now from the governing party is government," he said.
"What the country needs is a steady hand on the tiller leading this country in correct direction and to take decisions that are based on the best interests of the Bahamian people and not on political considerations."
Bethel said this is what the government is focused on.
It is still unclear if Prime Minister Ingraham will lead the FNM into the next general election. Ingraham has said he would inform the country of his decision by the end of the year.
Christie has confirmed his intention to run again as PLP leader.
March 23, 2010
thenassauguardian
Monday, March 22, 2010
The Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) ratifies four candidates for the next general election
By Krystel Rolle ~ Guardian Staff Reporter ~ krystel@nasguard.com:
The Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) yesterday officially announced its candidates for the Marathon, Golden Isles, Garden Hills and Sea Breeze constituencies -- in a move which its leader Perry Christie said would push the party forward as it readies itself for the next general election.
In a statement, the PLP said the National General Council (NGC), which is the policy arm of the organization, accepted the recommendations of the Candidates Committee and ratified Senators Jerome Fitzgerald, Michael Halkitis and Hope Strachan, along with political newcomer Dr. Kendal Major as candidates in the upcoming general election. Their nominations were accepted at the PLP headquarters on March 18.
As The Nassau Guardian reported on Thursday, Fitzgerald was nominated for Marathon; Halkitis for Golden Isles; Strachan for Sea Breeze; and Major, who is a dental specialist, was selected for Garden Hills.
The Marathon constituency is currently held by Minister of the Environment Earl Deveaux, the Sea Breeze constituency is represented by Free National Movement (FNM) Chairman Carl Bethel, Garden Hills is represented by Ministry of Housing Parliamentary Secretary Brensil Rolle and Golden Isles is being represented by Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Charles Maynard.
In 2007, the PLP didn't announce its slate of candidates until about six weeks before the May 2 general election. However, this time around the party is getting a jump start.
Christie said the nomination and selection process would be ongoing. He added it's important to ratify and introduce candidates to the various constituents as early as possible because of the changing needs of Bahamians and what they look for in their respective representatives.
"The [Elizabeth] by-election has reminded us and taught us a wonderful lesson: That you have to be prepared, because the constituencies are not just large but they have become more complex because of the downturn in the economy," Christie said.
"There is a significant movement of people in rental homes who are faced with challenges. So I think there is a significant move about of people in the constituencies throughout New Providence and I imagine this must be the same in places like Freeport and these urban areas. So we have to give our candidates as great of an opportunity as we possibly can to get to understand the constituency and get to know the people and allow the people to understand and meet them."
Christie said as time goes on the PLP would name its candidates on a very steady basis.
Asked when the full slate of candidates is expected to be announced, Christie said he could not be sure.
"We want to give the best opportunity to persons who may have not yet applied - who now know that the process has begun, and may be interested in entering public life for the Progressive Liberal Party," he said.
The PLP leader said the party's Candidates Committee meets every week to interview potential candidates.
"Obviously that process will continue and we involve the branches in the constituency and the community," he said, adding that the committee would then get everyone's contribution to the decision as to who the best candidate would be.
"So that's what we're doing now. So you'll find, on sort of a regular basis, we'll be pausing to name candidates."
Christie said in cases where many people are vying for the nomination to represent one constituency, they are required to consult within the constituency. Following their consultations, Christie said the Candidate's Committee then makes an assessment as to who the best representative is for that area.
The PLP has not fielded a full slate of candidates for the past several elections, opting for strategic reasons not to contest the Bamboo Town, Long Island and the former St. Margaret's constituencies.
March 22, 2010
thenassauguardian
The Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) yesterday officially announced its candidates for the Marathon, Golden Isles, Garden Hills and Sea Breeze constituencies -- in a move which its leader Perry Christie said would push the party forward as it readies itself for the next general election.
In a statement, the PLP said the National General Council (NGC), which is the policy arm of the organization, accepted the recommendations of the Candidates Committee and ratified Senators Jerome Fitzgerald, Michael Halkitis and Hope Strachan, along with political newcomer Dr. Kendal Major as candidates in the upcoming general election. Their nominations were accepted at the PLP headquarters on March 18.
As The Nassau Guardian reported on Thursday, Fitzgerald was nominated for Marathon; Halkitis for Golden Isles; Strachan for Sea Breeze; and Major, who is a dental specialist, was selected for Garden Hills.
The Marathon constituency is currently held by Minister of the Environment Earl Deveaux, the Sea Breeze constituency is represented by Free National Movement (FNM) Chairman Carl Bethel, Garden Hills is represented by Ministry of Housing Parliamentary Secretary Brensil Rolle and Golden Isles is being represented by Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Charles Maynard.
In 2007, the PLP didn't announce its slate of candidates until about six weeks before the May 2 general election. However, this time around the party is getting a jump start.
Christie said the nomination and selection process would be ongoing. He added it's important to ratify and introduce candidates to the various constituents as early as possible because of the changing needs of Bahamians and what they look for in their respective representatives.
"The [Elizabeth] by-election has reminded us and taught us a wonderful lesson: That you have to be prepared, because the constituencies are not just large but they have become more complex because of the downturn in the economy," Christie said.
"There is a significant movement of people in rental homes who are faced with challenges. So I think there is a significant move about of people in the constituencies throughout New Providence and I imagine this must be the same in places like Freeport and these urban areas. So we have to give our candidates as great of an opportunity as we possibly can to get to understand the constituency and get to know the people and allow the people to understand and meet them."
Christie said as time goes on the PLP would name its candidates on a very steady basis.
Asked when the full slate of candidates is expected to be announced, Christie said he could not be sure.
"We want to give the best opportunity to persons who may have not yet applied - who now know that the process has begun, and may be interested in entering public life for the Progressive Liberal Party," he said.
The PLP leader said the party's Candidates Committee meets every week to interview potential candidates.
"Obviously that process will continue and we involve the branches in the constituency and the community," he said, adding that the committee would then get everyone's contribution to the decision as to who the best candidate would be.
"So that's what we're doing now. So you'll find, on sort of a regular basis, we'll be pausing to name candidates."
Christie said in cases where many people are vying for the nomination to represent one constituency, they are required to consult within the constituency. Following their consultations, Christie said the Candidate's Committee then makes an assessment as to who the best representative is for that area.
The PLP has not fielded a full slate of candidates for the past several elections, opting for strategic reasons not to contest the Bamboo Town, Long Island and the former St. Margaret's constituencies.
March 22, 2010
thenassauguardian
Friday, March 19, 2010
FNM Lead attorney Thomas Evans QC: three protest votes must automatically be thrown out
tribune242:
LEAD attorney for FNM candidate Dr Duane Sands, Thomas Evans QC, yesterday argued in election court that of six protest votes cast in the Elizabeth by-election three must be automatically thrown out as the individual's names did not appear on the Elizabeth register on the day of the election.
"The evidence shows that three voters were not registered in Elizabeth. Two were in the adjacent Yamacraw and one was in Fox Hill. These voters plainly are not entitled to vote in the Elizabeth constituency and no question of retifcation of register with any of them," Mr Evans told the election court.
He further argued that in addition to these three votes - that of Voter A, D and F - the vote of Voter B should not be counted as his date of birth on his driver's licence which he sought to use to vote differed to that on the register and he never appeared before the court to explain why.
This left two protest votes, that of Voters C and E, which Mr Evans agreed should be counted. Philip Davis, lead attorney for PLP candidate, Ryan Pinder, had proposed on Wednesday that all five protest votes cast for his party's candidate should be upheld as valid.
But Mr Evans contended that the court can only consider counting the votes of those voters for whom clerical errors or omissions caused them to have to cast their ballot on a coloured or protest ballot, not those who did not appear on the register at all as the register should be consider "conclusive" on the day of the election.
He further stated that for the court to "stray" into the question of whether certain voters were resident in the constituency or not would cause the court to "overstep" its mandate in this particular matter.
The attorney made these comments as he gave his final submissions to the court on behalf of his client, FNM candidate Dr Duane Sands. Some had expected that once Mr Evans concluded his submissions today that judges would leave the court to deliberate and come to a conclusion on the matter as early as today. But yesterday when Mr Evans took his seat having made his final submissions relative to the votes, lead attorney for PLP candidate Ryan Pinder, Philip Davis stood to counter some of the points he had made and this is expected to continue tomorrow when the court resumes at 10.30am.
At present it is not entirely clear when a conclusion to the case will come, and it is possible that the matter may drag on until next week.
In the February 16 by-election in Elizabeth, Dr Duane Sands won 1,501 ordinary votes and Mr Pinder got 1,499. Mr Pinder made an application to the court to determine the validity of five "protest" votes cast for him, to see whether they could be added to the official vote count and therefore change the outcome of the election, making him the representative for the constituency.
Mr Evans spoke at some length about Voter A, whose vote he ultimately said should be discounted.
That voter claimed she registered at a foodstore then gave evidence to the court that she found that she had been "put in the wrong constituency" (Fox Hill not Elizabeth). She said she and some friends and family members net with Parliamentary Commissioner Errol Bethel to have the situation rectified.
However, Mr Evans drew that claim into question, and told the court he was "sorely tempted to ask you to dismiss" the evidence that she met with Mr Bethel and sought to have the discrepancy changed.
The attorney said this was because Errol Bethel was not questioned on this alleged meeting while he gave his evidence and because there were varying and significant differences between the evidence of voter A and other supporting witnesses connected to her, as well as between her own evidence at different times.
He noted that Mr Bethel said that he had no record of Voter A having attended his office to change her voter's card. There was no documentary evidence and her oath was unamended, said Mr Evans.
"Normally if a change was made it would be reflected in all of the documents relevant to that voter," said Mr Evans.
"The flood or accumulation of contradictions in the evidence is irrefutable proof of their lack of credibility," he said of voter A and associated witnesses.
"This court is invited to find that Voter A never made any such application or attendance at the Parliamentary Registrar's office,that Voter A voluntarily placed herself in the Fox Hill constituency by giving herself the address North Pine Barren Road and that her vote should not be allowed," proposed Mr Evans.
He added the inconsistencies raise the possibility of her voter's card being fraudulent. "I'm not saying anyone is guilty of fraud, but it is a possibility."
"We would say that from all the evidence available that the voter's card may very well not be genuine."
"If it is believed, you may direct further investigations along those lines."
In relation to Voter B, who was made to cast a protest vote after he could not produce a voter's card but only a driver's license which had a birth date upon it which differed from the date of birth on the register, Mr Evans said that because the voter has not appeared before the court or provided any evidence or explanation for the differences his vote should not be allowed.
"We have no evidence to show that the holder of the license is the same person on the register," said Mr Evans.
In relation to voter C, Mr Evans said that there was an inconsistency between the date of birth on her driver's license and on the counter foil and register. However, in this case Mr Evans said his client does not "suggest it can't be counted."
In relation to Voter D, Mr Evans said she does not live in the Elizabeth constituency and is registered in Yamacraw. "It follows that her vote can't be counted," he said. Voter D was removed from the register by the parliamentary commissioner.
Voter E, Mr Evans said she was on the Elizabeth register and had a voter's card and therefore she was "no doubt entitled" to vote. He said that the question of whether she was in fact an Elizabeth resident was a separate question, but could not be determined as part of this court matter.
With regard to Voter F, he said her vote should not be counted as she did not have a voter's card or appear on the Elizabeth register.
Mr Davis, beginning to respond to Mr Evan's submissions, said that if the court accepts the assertions made by Mr Evans it would "have startling results."
The attorney charged that the inconsistencies in the testimony of Voter A and other associated witnesses in fact make their evidence more believable.
If all of the witnesses had given the same story, one would suspect they had been "coached," he said.
"One has to look at the inconsistencies in regard to the passage of time," Mr Davis said.
"If a husband doesn't remember the date of his marriage, does that mean he didn't get married?" he asked.
March 19, 2010
tribune242
LEAD attorney for FNM candidate Dr Duane Sands, Thomas Evans QC, yesterday argued in election court that of six protest votes cast in the Elizabeth by-election three must be automatically thrown out as the individual's names did not appear on the Elizabeth register on the day of the election.
"The evidence shows that three voters were not registered in Elizabeth. Two were in the adjacent Yamacraw and one was in Fox Hill. These voters plainly are not entitled to vote in the Elizabeth constituency and no question of retifcation of register with any of them," Mr Evans told the election court.
He further argued that in addition to these three votes - that of Voter A, D and F - the vote of Voter B should not be counted as his date of birth on his driver's licence which he sought to use to vote differed to that on the register and he never appeared before the court to explain why.
This left two protest votes, that of Voters C and E, which Mr Evans agreed should be counted. Philip Davis, lead attorney for PLP candidate, Ryan Pinder, had proposed on Wednesday that all five protest votes cast for his party's candidate should be upheld as valid.
But Mr Evans contended that the court can only consider counting the votes of those voters for whom clerical errors or omissions caused them to have to cast their ballot on a coloured or protest ballot, not those who did not appear on the register at all as the register should be consider "conclusive" on the day of the election.
He further stated that for the court to "stray" into the question of whether certain voters were resident in the constituency or not would cause the court to "overstep" its mandate in this particular matter.
The attorney made these comments as he gave his final submissions to the court on behalf of his client, FNM candidate Dr Duane Sands. Some had expected that once Mr Evans concluded his submissions today that judges would leave the court to deliberate and come to a conclusion on the matter as early as today. But yesterday when Mr Evans took his seat having made his final submissions relative to the votes, lead attorney for PLP candidate Ryan Pinder, Philip Davis stood to counter some of the points he had made and this is expected to continue tomorrow when the court resumes at 10.30am.
At present it is not entirely clear when a conclusion to the case will come, and it is possible that the matter may drag on until next week.
In the February 16 by-election in Elizabeth, Dr Duane Sands won 1,501 ordinary votes and Mr Pinder got 1,499. Mr Pinder made an application to the court to determine the validity of five "protest" votes cast for him, to see whether they could be added to the official vote count and therefore change the outcome of the election, making him the representative for the constituency.
Mr Evans spoke at some length about Voter A, whose vote he ultimately said should be discounted.
That voter claimed she registered at a foodstore then gave evidence to the court that she found that she had been "put in the wrong constituency" (Fox Hill not Elizabeth). She said she and some friends and family members net with Parliamentary Commissioner Errol Bethel to have the situation rectified.
However, Mr Evans drew that claim into question, and told the court he was "sorely tempted to ask you to dismiss" the evidence that she met with Mr Bethel and sought to have the discrepancy changed.
The attorney said this was because Errol Bethel was not questioned on this alleged meeting while he gave his evidence and because there were varying and significant differences between the evidence of voter A and other supporting witnesses connected to her, as well as between her own evidence at different times.
He noted that Mr Bethel said that he had no record of Voter A having attended his office to change her voter's card. There was no documentary evidence and her oath was unamended, said Mr Evans.
"Normally if a change was made it would be reflected in all of the documents relevant to that voter," said Mr Evans.
"The flood or accumulation of contradictions in the evidence is irrefutable proof of their lack of credibility," he said of voter A and associated witnesses.
"This court is invited to find that Voter A never made any such application or attendance at the Parliamentary Registrar's office,that Voter A voluntarily placed herself in the Fox Hill constituency by giving herself the address North Pine Barren Road and that her vote should not be allowed," proposed Mr Evans.
He added the inconsistencies raise the possibility of her voter's card being fraudulent. "I'm not saying anyone is guilty of fraud, but it is a possibility."
"We would say that from all the evidence available that the voter's card may very well not be genuine."
"If it is believed, you may direct further investigations along those lines."
In relation to Voter B, who was made to cast a protest vote after he could not produce a voter's card but only a driver's license which had a birth date upon it which differed from the date of birth on the register, Mr Evans said that because the voter has not appeared before the court or provided any evidence or explanation for the differences his vote should not be allowed.
"We have no evidence to show that the holder of the license is the same person on the register," said Mr Evans.
In relation to voter C, Mr Evans said that there was an inconsistency between the date of birth on her driver's license and on the counter foil and register. However, in this case Mr Evans said his client does not "suggest it can't be counted."
In relation to Voter D, Mr Evans said she does not live in the Elizabeth constituency and is registered in Yamacraw. "It follows that her vote can't be counted," he said. Voter D was removed from the register by the parliamentary commissioner.
Voter E, Mr Evans said she was on the Elizabeth register and had a voter's card and therefore she was "no doubt entitled" to vote. He said that the question of whether she was in fact an Elizabeth resident was a separate question, but could not be determined as part of this court matter.
With regard to Voter F, he said her vote should not be counted as she did not have a voter's card or appear on the Elizabeth register.
Mr Davis, beginning to respond to Mr Evan's submissions, said that if the court accepts the assertions made by Mr Evans it would "have startling results."
The attorney charged that the inconsistencies in the testimony of Voter A and other associated witnesses in fact make their evidence more believable.
If all of the witnesses had given the same story, one would suspect they had been "coached," he said.
"One has to look at the inconsistencies in regard to the passage of time," Mr Davis said.
"If a husband doesn't remember the date of his marriage, does that mean he didn't get married?" he asked.
March 19, 2010
tribune242
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Philip Brave Davis - Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) lead counsel makes final submissions in Election Court
By Krystel Rolle ~ Guardian Staff Reporter ~ krystel@nasguard.com:
Mistakes by the Parliamentary Registration Department accounted for some of the confusion which resulted in five people casting their votes on colored ballots during the Elizabeth by-election, lead counsel for the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) Philip Brave Davis said as he made his final submissions in Election Court yesterday.
"Unfortunately, failures in the parliamentary registration system persist", said Davis.
"And the parliamentary commissioner's failure to ensure the integrity of the registration process and as a consequence the register continues."
He continued, "What is lamentable is that the Election Court has had the occasion to point these facts out and admonished action on the part of the parliamentary commissioner.
"But alas to naught. Here we are again - [almost] three years later," Davis added, referring to the Pinewood election case which he claimed exposed "the most egregious failures in the parliamentary system."
Senior Justice Jon Isaacs interrupted Davis, pointing out that the parliamentary commissioner is "starved of resources." He added that Davis' criticisms seemed unfair. However, Senior Justice Anita Allen said the lack of resources cannot be used as an excuse in this instance.
Yesterday, Davis laid out several reasons why the Election Court should validate the five protest ballots cast in favor of PLP Elizabeth candidate Ryan Pinder.
If at least three of those votes are approved, Pinder would be declared the winner of the February 16 by-election, which ended with Dr. Duane Sands receiving 1,501 votes and Pinder receiving 1,499. If the court only accepts two of the protest votes for Pinder, a re-election would be ordered.
In the case of voter A (as she is referred to protect her identity), Davis said there is overwhelming evidence to support that she is an ordinary resident of the Elizabeth constituency, including the fact that she voted in Elizabeth during the 2007 general election.
Additionally, Davis noted that the third respondent, who is Free National Movement candidate Dr. Duane Sands, met voter A on February 13 at approximately 3 p.m. while campaigning in the area.
Davis said he expected Sands' counsels to bring up that point considering that they are trying to assist the court in the inquiry.
"I am deeply disappointed that we did not have the assistance of the third respondent," Davis said.
"There appears to be no issue as to whether [the voter] lives on Pine Barren Road," he added.
During the course of the challenge, Sands' attorneys suggested that voter A lived in another constituency.
Voter A is not on the register for the Elizabeth constituency. In her evidence she said when her voter's card was initially issued to her in 2007, it listed her address as North Pine Barren Road, which placed her in the Fox Hill constituency.
The voter said she along with her husband and others in her extended family went to the Parliamentary Registration Department some time later to rectify the mistake. She also said she got a new voter's card which listed her address as South Pine Barren Road, thereby placing her in the Elizabeth constituency.
Davis said yesterday that the voter should not be disenfranchised because of the failure of the Parliamentary Commissioner's Office to correct its internal records.
Davis noted that clerical errors made in the register also led to the disenfranchisement of voter C.
He said on voter B's form B (registration form), her voter's card and her passport have her date of birth listed as January 3, 1970, while her form D (counterfoil) and the entry in the register have January 13, 1970. He noted that Parliamentary Commissioner Errol Bethel accepted that there were clerical errors made on form D.
Davis said no further issue affects the voter, and as a result the register should be rectified accordingly.
In relation to voter E, Davis said she should not have been made to vote on a colored ballot. According to him the voter produced sufficient means to cast her ballot.
Voter E was challenged on the grounds that she did not live in the constituency. However, Davis pointed out that an examination of her voter's card and forms B and D reveals a discrepancy in her address.
Her B and D forms B show her address as South Sandilands Village Road, West Fox Hill Road, East Alligator Court. Her voter's card shows the same address, but East Alligator Road is recorded instead of 'Court'. However, neither East Alligator Road or Court were included on the register because of computer constraints, Davis said, which resulted in the voter having to cast her vote on a protest ballot.
Davis said the vote should be allowed because the presiding officer misdirected himself in permitting the voter to cast her vote on a colored ballot. He added that the voter should not be disenfranchised because of that misdirection.
In the case of voter D, Davis said her name should have never been removed from the register.
"The parliamentary commissioner's act was contrary to law," said Davis.
As reported in The Nassau Guardian last week, the address on voter D's counterfoil was originally marked as 152 Commonwealth Boulevard, South Malaysia Way. However, Parliamentary Commissioner Errol Bethel told the court that the Parliamentary Registration Department changed it to North Malaysia Way.
The parliamentary commissioner said that this was done after voter D had already sworn an oath that the original address was correct.
Bethel admitted that both the counterfoil and the oath were changed after he authorized the voter's name to be placed on the Yamacraw register.
He said he did not recall whether he notified the voter when the change was made.
Yesterday, Davis said that according to Section 25 of the Parliamentary Elections Act, the day after a writ of election (issued by an executive authority requiring that an election be held) is ordered no name or entry can be removed from any of the appropriate parts of the register until after the poll day.
He noted that Bethel acknowledged the voter's name was removed on January 30.
"The parliamentary commissioner's act was contrary to law," Davis said.
He added that the parliamentary commissioner should have allowed the name to remain on the register and flagged or challenged the vote on election day.
Finally, in the case of voter F - who moved to Elizabeth in 2006 but did notify the Parliamentary Registration Department of the address change - Davis said the act of applying for a transfer is discretionary and not one that any voter is obligated to do.
He said it is the duty of the Parliamentary Registration Department to ensure that people are registered in the correct constituency.
Voter F told the court earlier this week that she cast her vote for the PLP candidate in the 2007 general election at the Thelma Gibson Primary School. She noted that her current voter's card places her in the Yamacraw constituency, but she said she moved from Yamacraw Shores in 2006 to Pine Barren Road. Yesterday Davis said because she is a resident of the constituency and has already voted, the vote should be counted.
Pinder, who is the petitioner, is exercising his right under Section 69 (1) of the Parliamentary Elections Act, which allows a candidate to petition the court to consider the protest votes cast if the margin of victory of his opponent (in this case Sands) is less than the number of his (Pinder's) protest votes.
In addition to Davis, Pinder is represented by attorneys Valentine Grimes, Wayne Munroe and Keod Smith.
Sands is represented by attorneys Thomas Evans, QC, and Milton Evans.
Evans, QC will make his final submissions today. Attorney David Higgins of the Office of the Attorney General, who is representing Parliamentary Commissioner Bethel and Returning Officer Jack Thompson, is expected to close out the submissions portion when Evans is done.
After that, Senior Justices Anita Allen and Jon Isaacs are expected to deliberate on which if any of the five protest votes will be accepted.
March 18, 2010
thenassauguardian
Mistakes by the Parliamentary Registration Department accounted for some of the confusion which resulted in five people casting their votes on colored ballots during the Elizabeth by-election, lead counsel for the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) Philip Brave Davis said as he made his final submissions in Election Court yesterday.
"Unfortunately, failures in the parliamentary registration system persist", said Davis.
"And the parliamentary commissioner's failure to ensure the integrity of the registration process and as a consequence the register continues."
He continued, "What is lamentable is that the Election Court has had the occasion to point these facts out and admonished action on the part of the parliamentary commissioner.
"But alas to naught. Here we are again - [almost] three years later," Davis added, referring to the Pinewood election case which he claimed exposed "the most egregious failures in the parliamentary system."
Senior Justice Jon Isaacs interrupted Davis, pointing out that the parliamentary commissioner is "starved of resources." He added that Davis' criticisms seemed unfair. However, Senior Justice Anita Allen said the lack of resources cannot be used as an excuse in this instance.
Yesterday, Davis laid out several reasons why the Election Court should validate the five protest ballots cast in favor of PLP Elizabeth candidate Ryan Pinder.
If at least three of those votes are approved, Pinder would be declared the winner of the February 16 by-election, which ended with Dr. Duane Sands receiving 1,501 votes and Pinder receiving 1,499. If the court only accepts two of the protest votes for Pinder, a re-election would be ordered.
In the case of voter A (as she is referred to protect her identity), Davis said there is overwhelming evidence to support that she is an ordinary resident of the Elizabeth constituency, including the fact that she voted in Elizabeth during the 2007 general election.
Additionally, Davis noted that the third respondent, who is Free National Movement candidate Dr. Duane Sands, met voter A on February 13 at approximately 3 p.m. while campaigning in the area.
Davis said he expected Sands' counsels to bring up that point considering that they are trying to assist the court in the inquiry.
"I am deeply disappointed that we did not have the assistance of the third respondent," Davis said.
"There appears to be no issue as to whether [the voter] lives on Pine Barren Road," he added.
During the course of the challenge, Sands' attorneys suggested that voter A lived in another constituency.
Voter A is not on the register for the Elizabeth constituency. In her evidence she said when her voter's card was initially issued to her in 2007, it listed her address as North Pine Barren Road, which placed her in the Fox Hill constituency.
The voter said she along with her husband and others in her extended family went to the Parliamentary Registration Department some time later to rectify the mistake. She also said she got a new voter's card which listed her address as South Pine Barren Road, thereby placing her in the Elizabeth constituency.
Davis said yesterday that the voter should not be disenfranchised because of the failure of the Parliamentary Commissioner's Office to correct its internal records.
Davis noted that clerical errors made in the register also led to the disenfranchisement of voter C.
He said on voter B's form B (registration form), her voter's card and her passport have her date of birth listed as January 3, 1970, while her form D (counterfoil) and the entry in the register have January 13, 1970. He noted that Parliamentary Commissioner Errol Bethel accepted that there were clerical errors made on form D.
Davis said no further issue affects the voter, and as a result the register should be rectified accordingly.
In relation to voter E, Davis said she should not have been made to vote on a colored ballot. According to him the voter produced sufficient means to cast her ballot.
Voter E was challenged on the grounds that she did not live in the constituency. However, Davis pointed out that an examination of her voter's card and forms B and D reveals a discrepancy in her address.
Her B and D forms B show her address as South Sandilands Village Road, West Fox Hill Road, East Alligator Court. Her voter's card shows the same address, but East Alligator Road is recorded instead of 'Court'. However, neither East Alligator Road or Court were included on the register because of computer constraints, Davis said, which resulted in the voter having to cast her vote on a protest ballot.
Davis said the vote should be allowed because the presiding officer misdirected himself in permitting the voter to cast her vote on a colored ballot. He added that the voter should not be disenfranchised because of that misdirection.
In the case of voter D, Davis said her name should have never been removed from the register.
"The parliamentary commissioner's act was contrary to law," said Davis.
As reported in The Nassau Guardian last week, the address on voter D's counterfoil was originally marked as 152 Commonwealth Boulevard, South Malaysia Way. However, Parliamentary Commissioner Errol Bethel told the court that the Parliamentary Registration Department changed it to North Malaysia Way.
The parliamentary commissioner said that this was done after voter D had already sworn an oath that the original address was correct.
Bethel admitted that both the counterfoil and the oath were changed after he authorized the voter's name to be placed on the Yamacraw register.
He said he did not recall whether he notified the voter when the change was made.
Yesterday, Davis said that according to Section 25 of the Parliamentary Elections Act, the day after a writ of election (issued by an executive authority requiring that an election be held) is ordered no name or entry can be removed from any of the appropriate parts of the register until after the poll day.
He noted that Bethel acknowledged the voter's name was removed on January 30.
"The parliamentary commissioner's act was contrary to law," Davis said.
He added that the parliamentary commissioner should have allowed the name to remain on the register and flagged or challenged the vote on election day.
Finally, in the case of voter F - who moved to Elizabeth in 2006 but did notify the Parliamentary Registration Department of the address change - Davis said the act of applying for a transfer is discretionary and not one that any voter is obligated to do.
He said it is the duty of the Parliamentary Registration Department to ensure that people are registered in the correct constituency.
Voter F told the court earlier this week that she cast her vote for the PLP candidate in the 2007 general election at the Thelma Gibson Primary School. She noted that her current voter's card places her in the Yamacraw constituency, but she said she moved from Yamacraw Shores in 2006 to Pine Barren Road. Yesterday Davis said because she is a resident of the constituency and has already voted, the vote should be counted.
Pinder, who is the petitioner, is exercising his right under Section 69 (1) of the Parliamentary Elections Act, which allows a candidate to petition the court to consider the protest votes cast if the margin of victory of his opponent (in this case Sands) is less than the number of his (Pinder's) protest votes.
In addition to Davis, Pinder is represented by attorneys Valentine Grimes, Wayne Munroe and Keod Smith.
Sands is represented by attorneys Thomas Evans, QC, and Milton Evans.
Evans, QC will make his final submissions today. Attorney David Higgins of the Office of the Attorney General, who is representing Parliamentary Commissioner Bethel and Returning Officer Jack Thompson, is expected to close out the submissions portion when Evans is done.
After that, Senior Justices Anita Allen and Jon Isaacs are expected to deliberate on which if any of the five protest votes will be accepted.
March 18, 2010
thenassauguardian
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