St Kitts and Nevis election on June 5

People of St Kitts and Nevis will go on the polls on June 5 to elect a new government after Prime Minister Dr Timothy Harris on Monday made an official announcement. Nomination day is Wednesday, May 27 2020.

PM Harris made his presence online to announce the election after 19 days, including Monday. The polls are predicted to be quite a challenge for Team Unity government to retain the power as opposition St Kitts, and Nevis Labour Party has emerged as saviours in COVID-19 pandemic.

According to surveys conducted in St Kitts and Nevis 70%, youth is in favour of SKNLP, whereas 30% of youth is sticking to Team Unity. This is significant data as youth votes are considered under the undecided votes sector. Mostly, undecided votes change the scenario of the election result.

Interestingly, due to Covid-19 restrictions on public gatherings, the election campaigns are going to rock social media primarily and radio.

Already, there has been intense political campaign from both political fronts. Still, so far unique initiatives and policies introduced by the leader of SKNLP, Dr Denzil Douglas have invited more support and engagement than Team Unity.

Dr Douglas is campaigning on a promise of good government, improved socio-economic conditions, corruption-free country and emphasising to steer the island into a new development path.

Whereas, Prime Minister Dr Timothy Harris, along with coalition partners, has promised to run the good government after winning the elections.

In St Kitts and Nevis, there are total 11 constituencies, divided by 8 in St Kitts and 3 in Nevis. Any political outfit or coalition of several parties display the stronghold in 6 Parliament constituencies will hold the government of a twin-island nation.

Apart from this, Team Unity received a major jolt as two prominent leaders of the SKN has left the party accusing of nepotism and are now releasing defaming information of Team Unity’s political leaders. Team Unity founding member Sam Condor and Dwyer Astaphan can be seen distancing themselves from the government.

Another issue which can influence the election is boundaries act amended by Dr Denzil Douglas in 2015. That time, Privy Council had ordered to conduct elections on previous boundaries. Still, in forthcoming polls it is big suspense whether the 1983 borders will be in force or newly amended boundaries will be considered in the elections. So far, Prime Minister Dr Timothy Harris has not clarified on this matter.