Neil Samtani said at the Press Conference held on Friday, “As from today, the Primary elections are open to all members of Together Gibraltar who wish to put themselves forward as potential candidates for the coming election. In order to do so, they will have to communicate their wishes in the following 10 days before the 12th of August.”

Mr Samtani gave an overview of the timeline of events that will take place, which is:

1. Deadline for Potential Candidates at 9pm on the 11th of August
2. Opening of Ballot at 9am on the 12th of August
3. Closure of Ballot at 9pm on the 21st of August
4. Result of the Primary Election announced on the 22nd of August

Together Gibraltar will allow new membership during the election process, but members who join after the 2nd of August cannot vote for their ideal candidate, members who had joined before the 2nd of August are the only ones allowed to vote. The Together Gibraltar Offices, located on 230 main street, will remain open during the voting period.
Together Gibraltar Leader, Marlene Hassan Nahon, has said that the primary election delivers on Together Gibraltar’s promise to bring a different style of politics to our community, a style that is “truly democratic, open and transparent and that crucially promotes and encourages participation from all segments of society.”

She continued by saying, “We do this in the hope that our members will choose a slate that will genuinely reflect the make-up of our society and not just a handful of wealthy lawyers… We believe that increased participation and better representation will allow us to create a political agenda that truly meets the general needs and hopes of our community.”

“We believe that the last thing that Gibraltar needs is more ineffective MPs and bigger parliamentary theatrics of little or no substance.”

REACTION

Reacting to the statement by Together Gibraltar, the GSLP notes that the TG says they will invite individuals to interview to become candidates for the party at the forthcoming General Election for confirmation by members.
And adds: This has been the practice of the GSLP for over forty years.
In the Socialist Party the Executive Committee hold interviews of all who wish to be candidates. The Executive then recommends the identity of the number of candidates required to an Extraordinary General Meeting of the GSLP that has the power to accept or reject the slate.
The democratic tradition of the GSLP 'is in stark contrast with the GSD, who appoint office holders at the whim of their leader from time to time.'

05-08-2019 PANORAMAdailyGIBRALTAR