By Sue-Ann Wayow
IT’S back to the polls for Tobago with 15 seats up for grabs instead of 12.
This was announced by Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley on Thursday at the post-Cabinet meeting held in Tobago.
Dr Rowley, who stated all the events from the election that was held in January, said a consensus could not be made given the six-six deadlock on the island between the People’s National Movement (PNM) and the Progressive Democratic Patriots (DPP) led by Watson Duke.
The Cabinet has ask for a proclamation of the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) Amendment Act on July 26 from President Paula-Mae Weekes.
With respect to the new election date, Dr Rowley said, “It cannot be earlier than the making of the Order nor can it be later than three months after the making of the Order.”
The Election and Boundaries Commission (EBC) will create a report for submission to the Minister of Rural Development and Local Government Kazim Hosein which must be completed within a 90-day period, Dr Rowley said.
The EBC should be familiar with up-to-date information on Tobago, he added.
A draft report will then be debated in the House of Parliament.
“That debate will end with a resolution.” Dr Rowley said.
The Prime Minister explained that the Order for 15 seats will then be made and sent to the President and put into Parliamentary records.
The dissolving of the THA will come into force when that Order was accepted, and the dissolving of the House will be done through the provision of the law that will be passed in Parliament since it has no Chief Secretary or Presiding Officer following January’s election, Dr Rowley said.
