Statement by the St. Kitts National Youth Parliament Association on the 2022 Electoral Process

Fellow Citizens, Residents, Nationals and Youth:

The St. Kitts National Youth Parliament Association (SKNYPA), notes the announcement of the date, Friday 5th August 2022, for the 10th General Election in the history of our post-Independence twin-island Federation. It is our earnest hope that following the conclusion of this Election, the nation could enjoy a sense of stability as we chart our course in a post-Covid climate.

We, therefore, take this opportunity to issue our call for a free and fair election. In our Westminster Model of Democracy, elections provide an avenue for the voices of all citizens to be heard as they elect to the National Assembly, citizens to agitate and represent the issues that matter most to them. We firmly believe that the process must be allowed to occur in an environment free of intimidation, payola and misconduct while respecting and upholding the rule of law. Accordingly, we wish to condemn the recent brazen acts of vandalism and destruction of campaign paraphernalia of various parties. The SKNYPA urges all political candidates to abide by the National Assembly Elections Act and all accompanying legislation while undertaking ethical campaigns, respectful of the opinions, property, characters and plans of opponents.

Commendations are in order to all Political Leaders for signing onto the Non-Governmental Organisation’s Code of Conduct for the Political Process. It is now up to each party to ensure that this signed promise becomes more than just a blot of ink but mannerisms representative of the electoral process and country we all desire to see.

Further, to the registered voters of our country, we encourage all to become familiar with the candidates and political parties vying for elected office in your constituency. The ability to vote regardless of family and socio-economic background is one that should not be taken for granted but rather used to elect representatives that mirror the views of, you, the electorate. The SKNYPA also encourages all voters to become familiar with the location of their polling station and head freely to the poll on election day.

Finally, the SKNYPA calls at the end of the day for patience as the electoral process is completed and respect for the final outcome of the race. The results, no matter the decision, ought to be respected by all parties, candidates and citizens guided by an atmosphere of peace and stability.

In the coming days, the SKNYPA will, through social media and other means, conduct a public awareness campaign on the electoral process and all are encouraged to follow along as we head to the polls.

May God continue to bless our Federation and grant peace to our shores.

Yours in Youth Development,