The Office of the Attorney General says the High Court claim concerning the electoral process in Grenada is being ‘addressed appropriately’.
According to a statement issued by the Office, the claim before the High Court ‘seeks to challenge certain aspects of the electoral process,’ but did not elaborate.
It said it has retained and is instructing external counsel to give legal advice and representation to the defendants in the claim and that the team led by former attorney general Dr. Francis Alexis KC and includes Ruggles Ferguson KC and Ian Sandy.
‘This legal team is treating with these proceedings in the appropriate manner and is taking all necessary steps to represent the interests of the defendants and to assist the Court in the determination of the issues raised.’
Last month, former attorney general, Cajeton Hood said he is asking the High Court to settle a growing controversy over the electoral rights of Grenadians living overseas, arguing that the courts should decide who qualifies to vote before Grenada goes to the polls.
Last weekend Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell announced November 5 as the date for the elections, almost a year before the constitutional deadline of October 2027.
Hood wants the High Court to interpret the provisions governing voter registration and determine who is entitled to be registered, who can remain on the voters’ list and for how long.
‘I’m asking the court to interpret the provisions relating to the general elections,’ Hood said, adding that he also wants the court to determine ‘who’s entitled to be registered, who’s entitled to remain on the list and for how long.’
At the center of the dispute is whether or not Grenadians residing overseas can participate in the election with Hood wanting the High Court to determine what the law requires rather than rely on competing political interpretations.
‘I’m simply asking the court to make a ruling on it. I don’t want to be over there arguing this matter in public. The court is entitled to and has the power to make a ruling, the interpretation, and everybody abides by what the law is supposed to be,’ said Hood, who is also challenging the legislation’s constitutional implications, arguing that parliamentary enactment does not necessarily end the legal inquiry.
‘The majority in Parliament could pass any law they want,’ he said.
Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell, himself a lawyer, and the Supervisor of Elections have been named as defendants, with Hoods indicating that the Supervisor is intended to ensure that any eventual ruling can be implemented through the electoral system.
The first hearing is scheduled for October 29.
Meantime, the Office of the Attorney-General said it ‘remains satisfied that the electoral process is being conducted in accordance with the Constitution and laws of Grenada’ reiterating ‘its commitment to upholding the rule of law to support a fair, transparent and orderly electoral process.’