“The One Bermuda Alliance (OBA) asserts that the current polling station is not a neutral venue due to its connection with the Progressive Labour Party (PLP) candidate,” OBA Leader Jarion Richardson stated today.
Opposition Leader Richardson said, “Today, the Bermuda Court found that the PLP candidate for the Sandys North by-election does have a connection to the polling station. However, the Court declined the OBA’s application to move the location. The Court accepted the evidence provided by the Parliamentary Registrar, indicating that it would be ‘extremely difficult’ to relocate the station, and if another election room were to be selected, it would have to be done today.”
“We in the OBA continue to believe that this venue does not meet the neutrality required by law,” Richardson added. “The principle is straightforward: our elections must be conducted in neutral polling stations with no actual or perceived affiliation to any candidate.”
He expressed satisfaction that the Court acknowledged the connection, stating, “We are pleased that the Court expressly found that Reverend Dr. Dill ‘has a connection to the Allen Temple Church on which premises the Allen Temple Hall exists. That connection arises as she is the Assistant Pastor for the Allen Temple Church … I also accept that she is registered at the residence near the Allen Temple Church and Allen Temple Hall.’”
“The OBA maintains that the current polling station does not qualify as a neutral venue, given the connection identified with the PLP candidate,” Richardson continued. “Despite this clear connection, the Court accepted the Parliamentary Registrar’s assertion that it would be extremely challenging to change the polling location before tomorrow’s election.”
He concluded, “It is now up to the voters to decide who will fairly and properly represent them in Sandys North.”
The Constituency 36 Sandys North by-election is set to take place tomorrow [Oct 4], with candidates Marc Bean (Free Democratic Movement), Carl Neblett (OBA), Reverend Dr. Emily Gail Dill (PLP), and Independent Cire Bean all vying for the seat.
Post comments (0)