Abec Chair – Political parties are to remove political paraphernalia from polling stations before the upcoming general elections.
Abec Chair Addresses Public
Chairman of the Antigua and Barbuda Electoral Commission (ABEC) Arthur Thomas delivered this mandate during a video address to electors in Antigua and Barbuda.
“I take this opportunity to remind all political parties of their legal and civic obligations to remove political paraphernalia from polling divisions ahead of Election Day. The polling environment must remain neutral, orderly, and free from undue influence,” Thomas stated.
During his address, Thomas revealed the prescribed conduct for voters on Election Day, stressing that order, compliance and mutual respect are necessary, and “essential to the credibility of the outcome” as he called upon every citizen to respect the electoral process and its rules, conducting themselves in a manner that reflects the dignity of the nation.
Thomas added that respect needs to be shown for opposing political parties and their supporters, the election officials and the security personnel.
Thomas also stressed the importance of voter the ID registration.
“If you have not yet replaced your voter’s ID card, you must do so immediately,” he said, adding that electors will not be able to vote without a valid voter identification card.
The ABEC chairman said that the Commission took necessary steps to ensure everyone was given the opportunity to do so.
“The Commission has extended hours, increased staffing, and deployed every available resource to facilitate this process. The opportunity has been provided. The responsibility now rests with you,” Thomas said.
He ended by imploring voters to exercise their democratic right to vote.
