Kalinago Chief Anette Sanford has formally appealed to the Electoral Commission for clarity on the procedures being applied in the Roseau North by-election, expressing concern that new voter identification requirements could discourage or prevent eligible citizens from casting their ballots.
In an open letter to the commission, Chief Sanford said she was prompted to speak out after comparing the conduct of the Roseau North by-election with the Kalinago Council by-election held on August 17. During that earlier vote, she noted, voters were not required to produce identification cards or birth certificates to exercise their right to vote. Reports that voters in Roseau North are now facing different requirements have raised questions about fairness and consistency in the administration of elections.
Chief Sanford said she is concerned and confused by the apparent introduction of new voting requirements, particularly since confirmation of voters is not officially scheduled to close until October. She asked why voters should be subjected to requirements that could potentially disenfranchise some eligible citizens when the fundamental principle of both elections is the same: the right of eligible citizens to vote.
She acknowledged that electoral procedures may evolve and that proper safeguards are necessary. However, she stressed that any changes must be clearly communicated, legally grounded, applied consistently, and must not unnecessarily prevent eligible voters from participating. She argued that public confidence in the democratic process depends on the consistent application of electoral rules.
Chief Sanford posed a series of direct questions to the commission: What has changed in the procedures? When did the change take effect? What is the legal basis for the new requirements? And why were similar requirements not applied during the Kalinago Council by-election in August?
She urged electoral authorities to ensure that no eligible voter is prevented from exercising their democratic right because of uncertainty, inconsistent procedures, or requirements that have not been properly communicated to the public. She called on leaders and institutions to uphold the highest standards of fairness and justice, regardless of the constituency or the election involved.
Voting is a right, not a privilege, Chief Sanford wrote. It is one of the fundamental pillars of democracy, and every effort must be made to protect that right so that every eligible citizen can participate freely and fairly. She appealed to the Electoral Commission and all those responsible for administering elections to exercise fairness, consistency and justice throughout the Roseau North by-election.
