P.U.P. Sec-Gen Condemns Transfer

Myrtle Palacio

P.U.P. Secretary General and former Chief Elections Officer, Myrtle Palacio, says Bruce’s untimely transfer is questionable since it precedes very closely the upcoming bye-election.  The move, she says, is contrary to good governance and only serves to further politicize the election process.

Myrtle Palacio, Former Chief Elections Officer

“We find it very suspicious, as the chairman has mentioned, among other things, that the registering officer for Cayo North was reassigned from this post with one day notice in the face of a bye-election on January fifth and March elections as well because in preparation for March elections there will be heavy registration and one needs to know the area for proper investigation.  This is seen as very arbitrary and not in the interest of good governance and further manipulation or politicizing of the process in preparation for elections.  I have given you five instance from 2012 to now.  We have been patient as a people, we have been patient as a party.  Elections are the primary vehicles for choice of leaders and representational governance.  Effective management of these systems requires institutions that are inclusive, reliable, just and independent.  The legitimacy of the process and by extension public confidence in democratic governance largely depends on the actual perceived integrity of these processes by that department.  We call on the media, you are the fourth estate, to be vigilant in ensuring no further derailing of our democracy as we know it.  Let us keep it intact for January fifth election, let us keep it intact after the January fifth bye-election.  Thank you.”