AG: Elections were free and fair

Speaking with reporters outside of the Hall of Justice after Justice Mira Dean-Armorer delivered her judgement on the five petitions, Al Rawi said, “We are extremely pleased at the outcome and we are elated that there was merit in our position and that the judge found that was the case.” Al-Rawi said Dean-Armorer found there “was a breach of the election rules” when the Elections and Boundaries Commission (EBC) decided to extend the voting time from 6 pm to 7 pm in Trinidad on September 7, due to inclement weather which caused flooding in several parts of Trinidad.

However Al-Rawi said Dean-Armorer did not find this was a breach that, “would have vitiated the election.” He explained that the judge found, “there was a complete fairness in the process...

that there was no denial of any right as it were...there being no strict express right to vote...but she looked at the position... and considered it was a full and fair election.” Asked whether there would be amendments to the law regarding the EBC arising out of yesterday’s judgement, Al Rawi said Dean-Armorer recognised the experience in 1961 and the EBC’s report in 1963, “which spoke to circumstances where there is an extension of hours.” Al Rawi said the judge referred to the process whereby Cabinet,” has the authority to deal with the rules that govern the process and she said it wouldn’t be her to speak to what should happen next.” He said Government would await the final decision of the Court of Appeal in this matter before further consideration is given about what ought to be done or not be done “in terms of shoring up any deficiencies that may be apparent.” Al Rawi also said the judge ruled that the UNC petitioners would have to pay cost to the five PNM successful candidates for San Fernando West, Tunapuna, Toco/Sangre Grande, St Joseph and Moruga/Tableland.

Al Rawi said those costs would have to be assessed by the court.

Tunapuna MP Esmond Forde said, “I am happy that this situation is now over.” Forde, who is also Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, said he was also happy to be able to continue to work as an MP without this “little burden.” on his back. Toco/Sangre Grande MP Glenda Jennings-Smith was also present for the judgement but did not speak to reporters.