UNC group wants March 24 election postponed

A group of United National Congress (UNC) members calling itself UNC Soldiers has written to the party's Internal Elections Committee asking for a postponement of the March 24 election.

In a letter to the chairman of the elections chairman, Kemchand Ramdath, the group's leader, Sunil Ramjitsingh, also requested an extension of the nomination deadline and an electronic copy of the complete membership listing.

On Sunday night Ramdath issued a statement confirming that nominations would be extended to Sunday March 18 and that a revised list of electors will be available by March 14.

Only UNC members in good standing are eligible to vote in the election, which is based on a one member, one vote system.

Ramdath has accepted the group's intention to contest the election as a 'slate' and has also recognised its symbol of The Heart for all its candidates.

In his letter Ramjitsingh stated that it is unfair to extend the deadlines "to facilitate persons" who were not meticulous in their affairs and presented flawed nomination applications.

He said in light of the decision to extend the nomination process, the March 24 date should also be changed since the time between the close of nominations and voting is not adequate. To illustrate his point, he noted that March 18 is both the close of nomination and also the date for special voting.

Ramjitsingh said an extension of between two weeks and one month would be acceptable to UNC Soldiers.

He said the present arrangements don't provide an opportunity for candidates to campaign and for members of the party to make a judgment of the persons presenting themselves for election to the national executive.

"A short deferral would maintain the integrity of the process and the party...and would also avert the complication caused by nomination day and special voting day occurring simultaneously," Ramjitsingh said.

With respect to the membership list, Ramjitsingh said it is a critical and strategic tool in the canvassing process.

"The UNC Soldiers would like to meet and greet as many of these eligible voters as possible and to tell them why they should give us a chance to serve in the National Executive – our plans, vision and ideas for building the party and contributing positively to the performance of our government and ensuring that it is re-elected at the upcoming Local Government Elections and the General Elections due in three years," Ramjitsingh said.

The letter is copied to the UNC's political leader, general secretary and chairman.