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Can small parties get on the ballot?
Dear Editor,
Kaieteur News – Reports suggest that between 16 and 28 parties submitted a symbol and a name to contest the September 1 election. GECOM informs them that they will be notified about acceptance of the symbol around July 1.
The dominant parties have retained their symbol. The parties will have until July 15 to submit nominations, lists, signatures, presidential candidate, head of list, etc., to qualify for the ballot. Is two weeks enough? The larger parties like PPP and APNU can meet the deadline. Can the AFC and other small or minor parties meet the requirements in two weeks? It is doubtful.
To get on the ballot, a party must contest at least six regions. It must submit a nomination form with at least 40 top-up candidates on the national list and a number of candidates for the geographic lists that could number between 1 and 7 candidates, depending on the size of the Region. Region 4 is seven seats. Parties were known to submit lists larger than the number of geographical seats in each Region, as well as the top-up seats. It is a challenging task to get candidates to submit the forms as well as to sign the nomination form.
It is rather doubtful that the minor parties, except WIN and AFC, can be able to quickly meet the requirements. It will be a major achievement if any of the other small parties can submit nomination forms that meet eligibility criteria. The system is disadvantaged against the small parties. And why is a person not able to contest as an independent? ROPA does not allow it. That act is unconstitutional as it violates the fundamental rights of an individual to seek elective office.
Yours truly,
Vishnu Bisram
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