Ramjack wants independent observers for UNC internal vote

Chaguanas West MP Jack Warner wrote the local chapter of Transparency International (TI) Monday, asking the organization to be observers at the internal election of the United National Congress (UNC) on January 24, 2010.

Warner, who is also one of the UNC's deputy political leaders, is concerned about the manner is which the election is to be contested and believes that there would be attempts to rig the vote.

He has already expressed deep concerns about the list of electors and wants to make sure that the list is sanitized ahead of the vote. He told reporters last night UNC leader leader Basdeo Panday will try to "steal the elections".

The cutoff date for new registrations is Dec. 18.

Warner complained to reporters that he is having difficulty with his membership drive because of what he called an obstructionist policy by the administration at the UNC's headquarters.

"Right now they are holding back forms," he said, adding that the party is also delaying approvals for people who have already sent in membership applications.

He said unless there are some independent observers for the January vote there would be widespread fraud "that would make Zimbabwe look like child's play".

Warner said Transparency International has advised him that the matter would have to be discussed with board members before TI makes a decision.

But it's not clear if the party would allow any outsiders to observe the vote. Although Warner has acted in his capacity of deputy leader in writing to the organization, there is no such request from the national executive, which is headed by Panday.