St. Kitts paves way for general elections

Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis Dr. Denzil Douglas on Friday announced he had advised Gov. Gen. Sir Edmund Wickham Lawrence to dissolve Parliament with immediate effect, paying the way for general elections in the twin-island federation.

“Fellow citizens, earlier today the Parliament of St. Christopher and Nevis, the National Assembly met in emergency session to debate the draft proclamation that was laid before it pursuant to the provisions of subsection 3 or 5 of Section 50 of the Constitution of St. Christopher (St. Kitts) and Nevis,” said Douglas in making the announcement on the steps of Government Headquarters in Basseterre, the St. Kitts capital.

He said the draft proclamation was approved by resolution of the National Assembly.

“Subsequently, the draft proclamation with accompanying resolution was submitted to His Excellency the Governor General and a proclamation in the terms of the recommended draft was gazetted today, Jan. 16, 2015,” Douglas said.

“I hereby now announce that I have advised His Excellency the Governor General to dissolve the Parliament, the National Assembly, effective today, Jan. 16, 2015 to give effect to the proclamation which has realigned the constituency boundaries of St. Christopher and Nevis,” he added.

“The date of the General Election in St. Christopher and Nevis shall therefore be announced at a later date,” he added.