Prime Minister Hon. Baldwin Spencer minutes ago during a simulcast national broadcast, announced he has advised Her Excellency, the Governor General Dame Louise Lake tack, to issue the Writ for a General Election to be held in Antigua and Barbuda on Thursday, March 12, 2009.
Prime Minister Spencer said Nomination Day is set for Wednesday, February 25, 2009
The Prime Minister’s announcement came on the heels of a recent visit of the Deputy Secretary General of the Organization of American State (OAS).
“It is fitting to recall that the creation of a new register of voters, and the introduction of voter identification cards, came only after the Commonwealth Secretariat's call for electoral reform after the 1999 General Election,” the Prime Minister said.
The Prime Minister Stated further that to pre-empt the use of fear and acts of political malice in the election, and to assist in ensuring the that the General Election, “will faithfully reflect the will of the Antiguan and Barbudan people, I long ago invited election observer teams from CARICOM, from the Commonwealth Secretariat, and from the Organisation of American States to be early on the ground for the run up to the elections.”
The Prime also expressed confidence that despite existing tensions, the General Election will proceed peacefully.
“I am confident that the Royal Antigua and Barbuda Police Force will protect and serve us better than adequately.”
The Prime Minister issued an appeal to all in the society to participate fully and peacefully in the electoral process.
Prime Minister Spencer vowed that, “whatever happens on Election Day, we will all have to live, pray and work together to overcome the daunting challenges facing our beloved country.”
He warned that, “The future of our country and the future of generations yet unborn are in our hands. We have no option but to put aside political differences and to cast aside political extremists. This is the framework in which we must elect our next government.”
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