By: Spokesman Newsroom
BASSETERRE, St.Kitts (Friday 8th May 2020) — The outbreak of COVID-19 has collided with the constitutionally due general elections five-year cycle in St. Kitts-Nevis, as citizens and residents await a decision regarding the expected May 14, 2020 timeline for parliament to dissolve.
Attorney General Vincent Byron Jr., speaking at the NEOC COVID-19 Daily Briefing on Thursday 30th April 2020, said an election is expected this year but pointed to potential court involvement should there be reason to extend or delay proceedings.
“We are aware that the Constitution requires that five years after the sitting of parliament after an election, parliament dissolves. The Prime Minister has the authority under the Constitution to request Parliament to be dissolved. When parliament is prorogued by the Constitution, there are ninety (90) days by which a general election should be held,” he explained, noting that 90 days from May 14th would fall around August 11, 2020.
The Attorney General stated: “At this point in time that is not envisaged and we would hope that we will be able to conduct a general election within the constitutionally mandated frame, and so it is not contemplated that elections should extend beyond the 14th of August this year.”