PRO for the People’s National Movement (PNM) Faris Al-Rawi says the party is unfazed by the decision by the United National Congress (UNC) to file another appeal on the Lengua/Indian Walk election petition.
The UNC’s move came after the court on Wednesday rejected their election petition concerning the outcome of the August 14, 2023 Local Government Election results for Lengua/Indian Walk.
The petition was based on what occurred in two recounts (and two ties) for the area when PNM candidate Autley Granthume was declared the winner over UNC candidate Nicole Gopaul.
The Election and Boundaries Commission had declared another poll was necessary in that district. A special ballot for Gopaul, which would have broken the tie, was rejected by the presiding officer due to the returning officer’s failure to initial it. The UNC filed the election petition based on this. But the court rejected the petition.
Al-Rawi said the party is confident in the rule of law and its position on the issue.
He said: “The PNM has been a participant in the democracy of our country from a Parliament and party perspective since prior to our independence. The filing of election petitions and any appeals are par for the course and a matter in which the present Government—myself included—have a great amount of experience in,” he said.
“Accordingly, the party will await and abide by the Court of Appeal’s decision, which is the final court for hearing of matter of this nature. We remain confident in the rule of law and in the party’s decision.”