Minister Teixeira –Consultations on proposed amendments to electoral laws moving swiftly

Parliamentary Affairs and Governance Minister, Gail Teixeira said in a telephone interview on
Wednesday that the consultations on the amendments to the Representation of the People Act
(ROPA) have commenced and are picking up steam.
Teixeira said that the process has seen a number of groups and individuals from the diaspora
penning letters, sharing their views and offering recommendations to the ministry. “We have
seen persons from the diaspora individually writing letters and expressing their views about the
amendments,” she was reported as saying. The minister when asked about the involvement of
other political parties in the process, said that no party has officially written to the ministry
offering any recommendations to the amendments drafted by the Attorney General.
However, she stressed that former President, David Granger has acknowledged receipt of the
proposed amendments sent to him. “Former President Granger politely responded and
acknowledged receipt of the document and has said that he will ask the [officials] of the party to
look at it,” the minister noted. Teixeira pointed out that PNC/R Chairman Volda Lawrence has
requested electronic copies of the document for her review and perusal. She said that there has
been no other formal response has been received from political parties by her ministry.
Teixeora noted that the electoral reform group, which has seemingly been vocal about their
concerns in relation to electoral reform, has also not made any formal recommendations or
submissions to the ministry.
The Parliamentary Affairs and Governance Ministry has been tasked by the President with
executing and supervising the six-week consultation process. The government said that they also
is expected to release two other proposals relating to amendments of the laws governing the
electoral process for consultation with members of civil society, the Minister added.