Basseterre, St. Kitts, April 22, 2020 – Opposition Political Leader the Rt. Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas has accused Prime Minister Dr. Timothy Harris of introducing a six-month State of Emergency not to manage the COVID-19 pandemic, but to gain an unfair advantage in the general elections constitutionally due by 14th August 2020.
“This was fully disguised as an attempt to give himself unchallengeable emergency powers over the electoral system,” said Dr. Douglas, pointing out that government ministers and coalition candidates were able to move freely during curfews while opposition candidates remained locked down like ordinary residents.
“Our right to vote must not in any way be compromised because of the management of the COVID-19 pandemic. None of these gymnastics will prevent his Team Unity government from falling. It is just a matter of time,” said Dr. Douglas.