Opposition Leader accuses UNC of being in charge of government’s accountability in 2024 EBC report

Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar has addressed allegations that the United National Congress (UNC) has not been holding the government accountable for not laying the 2024 report of the Elections and Boundaries Commission (EBC) in Parliament. She refuted these claims, stating that the UNC has been consistently raising this issue both inside and outside of Parliament. Persad-Bissessar highlighted instances where the matter was brought up, including a Motion on the Adjournment of the Senate by Senator Wade Mark on the need for a status update on the report.

In a letter dated April 1, 2024, Persad-Bissessar wrote to the CEO and Commissioners of the EBC seeking clarification on whether the EBC had submitted the 2024 Boundary Report to the Prime Minister and the Speaker. She emphasized the importance of public accountability in this matter and stated that it is false and misleading to claim that the UNC has not questioned the government on the report. Persad-Bissessar expressed concern over the implications of the delayed report on the upcoming general elections and the political stability of Trinidad and Tobago.

Persad-Bissessar drew attention to a previous incident in 2021 where the government passed a controversial bill to change electoral seats in the Tobago House of Assembly, despite objections from the opposition. She warned against arbitrary boundary changes by the EBC that could impact the outcome of elections and political stability. The UNC has a history of challenging the EBC’s decisions regarding general elections and pledged to remain vigilant against any biased boundary changes that could favor the ruling party.

The EBC recently issued a statement on March 27, expressing satisfaction with the Court of Appeal’s decision to uphold the ruling of Justice Marissa Robertson, which rejected the UNC’s appeal challenging the dismissal of an election petition for the electoral district of Lengua/Indian Walk. As a result, a by-election will now take place in that district. This development adds to the ongoing political dynamics in Trinidad and Tobago and underscores the importance of electoral processes being conducted fairly and transparently.

In conclusion, Persad-Bissessar reiterated the UNC’s commitment to holding the government and the EBC accountable for the 2024 report. She emphasized the need for transparency and adherence to constitutional deadlines in the electoral process to ensure democratic principles are upheld. The UNC will continue to monitor developments related to the EBC report and provide updates to the national community. The opposition’s efforts to scrutinize the government’s handling of electoral matters demonstrate a commitment to safeguarding the integrity of the democratic process in Trinidad and Tobago.