The Cabinet has set aside the funds necessary to plan and execute the upcoming
by-elections in the St. Mary’s South constituency.
Cabinet spokesman Lionel Max Hurst was unable to provide the exact figure at
Thursday’s Post-Cabinet Press briefing but he, however, indicated that it was based
on a budget presented by the Antigua and Barbuda Electoral Commission, and it
represented what they needed to undertake the by-election.
There is no firm date yet on when the by-election is likely to be called. Hurst noted
that the final date by which it may be called is October 26, 2023.
He also announced that persons wishing to participate in the by-election who
recently turned 18 years of age have until July 31, 2023, to register, in order to
have their names added to the List of Electors.
A spokesman for ABEC said the July 31 date gives the commission time to carry
out the mandatory Claims and Objections process and to be able to have the List of
Electors for that constituency published.
The spokesman said the commission will likely reactivate the team that presided
over the conduct of the general elections in that constituency. The Returning
Officer, Denise Parker will likely get the nod to return to the position. However,
the spokesman said that there will be a need for some training, to ensure that the
officers conduct the by-election in a highly efficient and professional manner.
Meanwhile, Hurst said the Cabinet has extended appreciation to two individuals
who have since retired from the Commission. These are former Supervisor of
Elections. Dame Lorna Simon, and ABEC member, Nathaniel Paddy James.
Dame Lorna stepped down after serving in the post for more than two decades.
James who served as chairman and deputy chairman retired when he reached the
mandatory age of retirement – 75 years, in February this year.
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