daily News - 11 Jan 1999
jim...@my-dejanews.com
GARCIA OR GOLT:
DEADLINE LOOMS FOR ELECTION DECISION
by Dominique Searle
Liberals hold the key to the pending bye-election.
As the Thursday deadline comes closer, to the single most
important decision to be taken appeared to be whether or not the
Liberals would present a candidate. This will be decided by
tomorrow night.
The delay in making candidate announcements reflects divisions
within the parties as to whether or not the GSLP and Liberals
should join forces, and the implications of this not only for
this election, but in the build-up to the far more crucial
general election yet to come.
Neither side wants a shot-gun wedding when there may be no
children on the way. And some take the view that there would be
dignity in allowing the GSLP to the seat with their own
candidate, given that the vacancy arises from the sudden death of
Robert Mor.
This principle is one that could set an important precedent, on
which goes to the heart of the vulnerability of the parliamentary
structure here.
If the Government loses a member, a bye-election would
undoubtedly be resisted since, if contested, it would have the
effect of a general election.
If the Liberals submit a candidate and this is unopposed by the
GSLP this may amount to a tacit pact to negotiate a coalition.
Clive Golt is regarded as the front runner to be the GSLP
candidate, if one is put forward.
In the alternative, a merger could commence with Dr. Joseph
Garcia taking the seat as a GSLP candidate.
Whilst this possibility is more controversial, both outcomes
would fit the agreed statements of last week, as to having a
candidate which both sides will back.
What last week's declarations have also been read as indicating
that neither the Liberals or the GSLP is looking forward to
having to throw mud at each other if they both contest the seat.
Another key factor is that the governing GSD are sending out
clear signals that they have no real desire to put forward a
candidate, but they have not firmly ruled this out on the record.
ends;
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Jim Watt - see the web site http://www.gibnet.com
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