Inquiring about a returning officer’s party allegiance and membership before working in polling stations – is both advisable and lawful.
This from the Election and Boundaries Commission. The statement is in response to the revelation from the EBC chairman, Mark Ramkerrysingh, at an election coverage workshop hosted by the Trinidad and Tobago Publishers and Broadcasters Association, TTPBA.
The EBC says it sought legal advice on requiring applicants for the position of Returning Officer to declare whether they are a member of a political party. It says Membership in a political party implies a level of allegiance or affiliation that could potentially create the perception of bias or apparent bias.
The EBC says it has received allegations from various political parties about Returning Officers being members of political parties – and requiring applicants to declare their membership is a proactive step to mitigate potential conflicts of interest and maintain public confidence in the electoral system. The EBC says it emphasizes its commitment to impartiality and transparency in the electoral process.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister, Dr. Keith Rowley responding to a newspaper article via social media on Wednesday says the position of the Elections and Boundaries Commission to question EBC staff about their vote is absolutely unacceptable.