Political party blames commission for symbol error

PORT OF SPAIN (CMC):

THE SMALL opposition Progressive Party (Progressive) party yesterday said the Elections and Boundaries Commission (EBC) has failed to properly represent the party’s symbol on the ballot for the August 10 general election.

In a statement, the party, which is contesting just one seat in the election, said that the symbol approved by the EBC “was not what was placed on the ballot and to date the EBC has offered no explanation for this.

“The Progressives believe this can confuse San Fernando West electors where the party has offered its sole candidate, Political leader Nikoli Edwards,” the statement said.

It said that throughout the campaign, the party has been using its complete symbol and advised its supporters to “look for that on the ballot paper.

“On the ballot the words, ‘Progressive Party’ was left out of the symbol alongside the Guiding Flame. This latest error by the EBC has the potential to confuse electors and thus the party has written to the Chief Elections Officer of the EBC seeking clarity and a way forward.”

But Corporate Communications Manager Bobbi Lee Rogers said the party had two opportunities, including on Nomination Day on July 17, to ensure that their documents were in order.