NGOs: Postpone civil society elections

In correspondence sent on Monday to the National Diversity and Social Integration Ministry, Brown said, “We write to advise of our concerns about the unacceptable arrangements for the Civil Society Board elections and recommend the postponement of the elections until all the errors are corrected and important questions answered.”

Brown stressed this postponement is necessary “to allow for further refinement of the CSB establishment process to ensure transparency and accountability.” She said validation of the registered list of nominees and voters still has not been done properly and errors continue.

Stating that organisations were required to send a letter, confirming their representative, Brown asked, “Have these documents been received and validated?” Brown said there are also problems involving the documentation of the election process “from end to end.”

She asked whether the election was supposed to be managed by the Elections and Boundaries Commission (EBC); who are the election officers; how have they been trained; and if anyone with an identification card will be allowed to vote.

Brown also raised questions about preparation of ballots and ballot boxes and the ballot process. Calling for “external review of the registration process and a collective view of the lists by all Civil Society nominees,” Brown suggested to National Diversity and Social Integration Minister Rodger Samuel that an audit firm be hired pro bono, “since it is obvious that your ministry is unable to produce a satisfactory outcome.”

Suggesting there be more accessible voting by mail or advance ballot and there be publication of the candidates profiles and contact information one month before an election date, Brown said, “We see strong links to the heightened national dialogue about transparency in election procedures, and call for guarantees of a process that is fair and accountable, so we are not tainted by suspicion.”

In addition to the Network of NGOs, Brown said this position is supported by the TT Chapter of Transparency International, Rose Foundation, Family Planning Association, Servol, CAISO, TTGPA, WINAD, Network of Rural Women Producers, Veni Apwann, Mamatoto and the National Centre for Persons with Disabilities.

Samuel could not be reached for comment last evening.