As stakeholders (candidates) and voters await the announcement of a set date for general elections, the wait is down to only 3-4 days before it most likely will be announced. While the elections must take place any time after 21 days of the dissolution of the Legislative Assembly (LA), and not later than 90 days, it is uncertain whether the Premier must announce a date for the elections immediately upon the dissolution of the Assembly.
What is certain is that he does not have to wait for the dissolution of the LA to announce the date of elections, but uncertain that he must immediately on dissolution when it is automatic which is five years after the date of the first meeting of the Legislative Assembly which was held on October 8, 2014.
As the October 8 date draws close the campaign rhetoric which has been as said previously, scant and lack substance as we have tried to show previously. As we move into the weekend, candidates on the other side of PDM, the incumbent governing party have sought to make fun or mischief that there is a move to dethrone the current leader and Premier.
How that helps an opposition to convince people that they are fit and better to take over the reigns of governing.
Then, there is the surprising the Electoral Commission seeking to be diligent about its electioneering education, encouraging candidates to get out and begin to stimulate the voters.
It seems more pertinent and proper that they should be encouraging people to get out and vote, in a climate where so many are planning note to vote, whether they choose the ‘buffet style’ (picking one here and there) vote, or the ‘a la carte style’ where the voter concentrates on a particular party or group.
Maybe the Commission intended to encourage candidates to take heed to our call for substantive campaigning, not that we believe there is much capability any way. Isn’t it too early if at all, to be saying “It is too little, far too late to save the PDM from the scrap heap of history,” worse when you are showing nothing that promises better.
The Commission may instead also spend some time explaining the definition of bribery, the penalty for bribery, treating or undue influence; Disqualification for bribery, etc. and the Penalty for certain illegal practices at elections. Offence to incite or conspire to disrupt public meetings of candidates.
They should in fact, be dealing with all the sections dealing with the offences under the Election Act! Or, is it that this has become so commonplace, that no one pays any attention, thus ignoring their seriousness?
