The Elections and Boundaries Commission (EBC) has announced that preparations are complete for Nomination Day in the Tobago House of Assembly elections.
Assistant Chief Election Officer Pamela Ogiste told TTT News that it has done all it can to ensure a smooth and seamless process for all prospective candidates expecting to file nomination papers on Friday, December 19th.
“Each of our returning offices – and we do have four returning offices that are placed in their electoral districts and yes, they are ready.”
Ms. Ogiste explained that they are ready for the THA elections for prospective candidates.
“This time, there has been really an increased visits by prospective candidates throughout the week. As you know last Friday was pre-examination of the nomination documents and persons were also alerted that they were free to come in during the course of this week leading up to tomorrow for any further clarity on documents, and I must say that we’ve had an overwhelming response of such persons by all the returning officers.”
In the usual Nomination Day style, political parties will be represented with much fanfare and processions. However, Ms Ogiste shared that they expect some level of order to be maintained. She added that police officers will be on hand to assist.
“Whilst we appreciate the jubilance of persons and supporters etcetera, again we want to remind them that this exercise is perhaps one of the most serious exercises beside that of poll day and so the returning officers, along with the candidates or prospective candidates, and/or their agents, will require some level of quiet. So whilst we know the merriment, the festivities happens outside, as soon as they get to the venue we would expect them to certainly obey and understand the procedure to take place inside.”
The Tobago People’s Party (TPP) will start their action simultaneously in Tobago East and West, while the People’s National Movement (PNM) will begin with prayers and a procession in Calder Hall. The Innovative Democratic Alliance (IDA) said they are taking a much quieter and simple approach in filing their nomination papers, and the Unity of the People’s lone candidate, Nickosy Phillips, said he plans to complete his process early.