PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, CMC – The Elections and Boundaries Commission (EBC) Tuesday sought to clarify its position on the selection of returning officers, as Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley described as “absolutely unacceptable” suggestions by a senior EBC official that returning officers will be asked to declare their party allegiance and membership before working in polling stations.
In a statement, the EBC said that during a workshop on “Enhancing Ethical and Effective Coverage” on Tuesday, “EBC chairman Mark Ramkerrysingh addressed a question about potential political affiliations of returning officers.
“The EBC has received allegations from various political parties about Returning Officers being members of political parties. To address these concerns and safeguard the integrity of the electoral process, the Commission sought legal advice on requiring applicants for the position of Returning Officers to declare whether they are a member of a political party”.
The EBC said that the legal opinion confirmed that such an inquiry” is both advisable and lawful” and that it “distinguishes between declaring whether one is a member of a political party and disclosing voting preferences, which is protected by the principle of secret ballot.
“Membership in a political party implies a level of allegiance or affiliation that could potentially create the perception of bias or apparent bias,” the EBC said.
“The EBC emphasizes its commitment to impartiality and transparency in the electoral process. Requiring applicants to declare their membership is a proactive step to mitigate potential conflict in the electoral process.”
The EBC said it would like to “clarify that recent media reports suggesting that the EBC is asking Returning Officers to declare their political allegiance are misleading and inaccurate.
‘The focus remains on ensuring that the electoral process is free, fair and credible,” it added.
Earlier, Prime Minister Rowley, in a statement posted on his Facebook page, said that the EBC’s position of questioning EBC staff about their vote is “absolutely unacceptable.
“The vote in this country is secret, and no person in public employment must be forced to reveal how he or she voted or intends to vote,” Rowley said.
Rowley, also the political leader of the ruling People’s National Movement (PNM), said, “Returning officers are not to comply with this strange and disturbing development at the EBC.
“The PNM, which has not been consulted on this matter, is resolutely opposed to this unnecessary and possibly illegal action,” Rowley said, asking, “Where did this come from?”
Opposition Leader and leader of the main opposition United National Congress (UNC) Kamla Persad Bissessar, who also expressed concerns about the report, told reporters she needs more information before making a complete statement.
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