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Politics
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Wednesday, 22 February 2012 02:30
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By Everton Barnes
Antigua St John's - Several members of the opposition Antigua Labour Party (ALP) picketed the Antigua and Barbuda Electoral Commission (ABEC) on Tuesday as the party continues to object to recent changes to electoral laws.
Spokesman for the group, former ABEC member Lionel "Max" Hurst said about 50 people participated at intervals. He said the protest was intended to highlight the government's attempt to extend its rule by manipulating the electoral process.
“We have good reasons to believe that Spencer is attempting to use the processes at ABEC to benefit the incumbent party at the expense of the opposition,” Hurst said.
He pointed to the recent changes to the Commission's composition, and the dilution of the powers of the supervisor of elections, to support his argument.
Hurst also said the provision to allow the church and the private sector to name representatives to the Commission has paved the way for institutions that have traditionally been friendly toward Spencer to be a part of the management of future elections.
The former ambassador said should the prime minister succeed in prolonging his stay in office through foul means, against the wishes of the majority of the people, this could lead to a further contraction of the economy.

“It has been proven that in situations where a government does not worry about re-elections because of an unfair advantage, the country usually declines as the people in power do not feel the need to perform effectively on behalf of the people,” Hurst explained.
He said the commission will be meeting twice each month, and the intention is to mount a picket to keep the focus on ABEC.
2 Comments In This Article
Red Max Leads The Charge Against Blue Shaka & Chaku Pt2
www.caribbeannewsnow.com/topstory-Commentary%3A-The-wind-of-political-change-is-blowing-towards-Grenada-and-Antigua-9927.htmlIf you wait long enough ripe mangoes will from from the tree for "easy pickings". It is clear that Blue Shaka & Chaku do not see things that way. They have seen the Census Figures. They eagerly await the Elections Boundaries Commissions' Work. They have moulded ABEC in their own image . Equally clear is Red Max, who will resolutely marshall his forces, like Joshua around the walls of Jericho, to picket ABEC. Just as
The Spies laid out three conditionalitie s to be saved so has Red MaxQuote: Two Quote:Three the church & private sector to name reps ... has paved the way for institutions ... to be a part of the management of future elections. Next, The Legal Battle. Heaven Help The Nation.
John French II
Red Max Leads The Charge Against Blue Shaka & Chaku Pt1
John French II
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