By: Spokesman Newsroom
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts (Tuesday 7th June 2022) — An eight-page open letter addressed to Prime Minister Dr. Timothy Harris, penned by six Non-Governmental Organisations of religious, chamber and judicial bodies combined, is calling for “decency”, “democracy” and “peace” as part of a code of conduct appeal in the lead-up to the next General Elections. The letter dated 8th June 2022 was signed by leaders from the St. Kitts Christian Council, Nevis Christian Council, St. Kitts Evangelical Association, Nevis Evangelical Association, St. Kitts-Nevis Chamber of Industry & Commerce, and the St. Kitts & Nevis Bar Association.
On the subject of the ‘Pre-Election Period of Sensitivity,’ the letter stated: “There are conventions throughout the Commonwealth, common to Westminster-style constitutions, which apply to the Executive Branch of Government during the period between the dissolution of the National Assembly and the appointment of a new Executive after a general election. This period is typically called the ‘pre-election period of sensitivity’, ‘purdah’, or ‘caretaker mode’ in various Commonwealth jurisdictions. During this period: The Executive, led by your Cabinet of Ministers, should refrain from implementing major policy decisions that are likely to commit an incoming Government. Ministers remain in office and in charge of their departments, but it is customary for them to observe discretion in announcing initiatives that are new or of a long-term character.”
The NGOs also raised concerns about activities that could “diminish our people’s confidence in our electoral system, create social instability, cause widespread anxiety, negatively affect the local economic climate, and undermine the respect for true democracy and the rule of law in our Federation.” The letter concluded: “We therefore encourage you and your colleagues to carefully review this letter, familiarize yourself with the pre-election period of sensitivity conventions and address the concerns we have raised. May peace, maturity, decency, democracy, and fairness reign over our proud twin-island Federation throughout the next few weeks and continuously thereafter.”