{"id":201705,"date":"2024-05-13T07:11:00","date_gmt":"2024-05-13T11:11:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/?p=201705"},"modified":"2024-05-13T07:51:57","modified_gmt":"2024-05-13T11:51:57","slug":"pm-says-ablp-not-in-favour-of-full-re-registration-of-voters","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/pm-says-ablp-not-in-favour-of-full-re-registration-of-voters\/","title":{"rendered":"ABLP Favours Voter Revalidation Over Complete Re-registration"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Prime Minister Gaston Browne has voiced a strong preference for the revalidation of voters’ registration cards over a complete re-registration process, citing concerns about potential disenfranchisement of citizens, especially those residing overseas.<\/p>

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During a dialogue that covered several aspects of electoral reforms, Prime Minister Browne elaborated on the government’s stance, which is aligned with the initial recommendation from the Electoral Commission. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The commission had advised that revalidating existing voter registration cards would be a cheaper and simpler solution compared to the lengthy and costly process of re-registration.<\/p>

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“The party has met with the commission and we have expressed our preference for revalidation rather than pursuing a process that could potentially disenfranchise anyone,” Prime Minister Browne stated. <\/p>

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He underscored the importance of ensuring that the electoral process remains inclusive, especially for Antiguans and Barbudans living in the diaspora and students abroad who might find it difficult to comply with the requirements of a full re-registration.<\/p>

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The discussion also touched upon concerns raised by some within the United Progressive Party (UPP), who advocate for a complete re-registration. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, the Prime Minister cautioned that such a move could exclude a significant number of eligible voters who are unable to return home to re-register within the stipulated time frame.<\/p>

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Revalidation, according to Browne, would allow for a systematic review of the voter rolls while minimizing disruption and ensuring that no eligible voter is left out of the electoral process.<\/p>

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“This method will enable us to challenge and correct any discrepancies during the revalidation process without imposing undue burdens on our citizens,” he added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Prime Minister Browne emphasized that legislative measures would be pursued to formalize this process, moving away from the practice of decennial re-registration which is not mandated by law.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Click the video below to listen to the PM’s full statement:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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