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by pltm
(PLTM) - In order to prevent a constitutional crisis, Opposition Leader, Hon. Ronnie Skelton says that the General Election needs to be held early. This is to facilitate the passage of a 2019 budget, to prevent such a crisis.
Based on the timeline suggestion he provided, Hon. Skelton expects the General Election to be held by the end of February.
During the debate of the Elections Amendment Act today, January 15, Hon. Skelton, who is the leader of the Progressive Virgin Islands Movement (PVIM) and is seeking the position of Premier said, “Madam Speaker, if we don’t get a budget in place in this country by the 30th of April, we’re going to have a constitutional crisis.”
“I see us heading headlong into a constitutional crisis,” he stressed.
The Opposition Leader reminded that Governor Augustus Jaspert announced that elections need to be held by April 16.
However, Hon. Skelton said that the new Government will need enough time to prepare the budget in time for April 30.
“Any day for election must give any Government who comes into office at least eight weeks to put a budget in place for this country,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Chairman of the Virgin Islands Party (VIP), Hon. Andrew Fahie had predicted that the election will be held on February 25.
According to the Constitution, the House of Assembly must be dissolved in order to hold the General Election. In turn, the election must be held within 21 days, but not more than two months after the House is dissolved.
