Premier says election day to be announced soon; explains delay

As anticipation continues to build ahead of the upcoming general elections, Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley has denied being the main reason for the absence of an announced polling date.

According to the Premier, an announcement on the election date should be expected within the coming days.

“By no means should persons think that I’m arbitrarily just, you know, holding up making an announcement,” Premier Wheatley told the Talking Points radio show yesterday, March 13. “But we are going to have it sorted, maybe either tomorrow or the day after.”

Premier Wheatley said he previously planned to announce election day when the House of Assembly dissolved last Friday, but explained that a discussion with the Elections Office showed that there are ‘one or two things’ to be worked out ahead of that announcement.

Meanwhile, Premier Wheatley registered his support for fixed-date elections, noting that the issue has been a topic of discussion for officials recently.

“Persons should know, that I actually support having fixed elections dates,” the Premier said. “It was one of the recommendations by an ad hoc committee set up to basically make recommendations for election reform, as well as the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association members who were here as election observers.”