St Kitts and Nevis (WINN): Ian “Patches’ Liburd is awfully quiet after losing the June 5 general election twice to Constituency #1 representative Dr. Geoffrey Hanley.
Liburd challenged the results that declared Dr. Geoffrey Hanley the winner by 24 votes. He pointed to the 98 rejected ballots (there were six spoilt ballots) and claimed a recount would prove that he was actually the winner of the constituency.
The High Court previously reserved its decision on the petition filed by People’s Action Movement candidate for Constituency #1, Ian ‘Patches’ Liburd, to October 30.
Liburd withdrew his petition on October 16; however, as per the peculiar nature of the election petition a withdrawal hearing was necessary.
WINN in a brief interview with Dr. Hanley learned that the opposing counsel filed submissions as it relates to costs.
“However, the lawyers would have made an appeal to the court… [not an] appeal case, but would have indicated to the court that they would want to make a submission; because the judge indicated that costs will be awarded, but his lawyer QC Mendez would have made a presentation to the effect of why Cost should not be awarded. So the judge gave the other side, which is my side, the opportunity to submit this morning [November 2] and then on Wednesday [November 4] he said he will make the decision…”
The judge then allowed Hanley’s council to file submissions on November 2, with the final ruling to be made on Wednesday (November 4).
No mention of changes to what constitutes a valid vote on the ballot; however, Hanley posits the judge may make mention in his final statements come November 4.
Attempts to contact Liburd for his perspective on the entire petition proceedings were unsuccessful.
