The decision of High Court Judge Mira Dean-Armorer to strike out five election petitions challenging the Elections and Boundaries Commission’s extension of last year’s general election by one hour now has the United National Congress (UNC) and People’s National Movement (PNM) squabbling over who scored a legal victory.
Despite its petitions being dismissed, the UNC contended that it succeeded in its challenge over the illegality of the EBC’s decision, while the PNM also claimed it scored overall victory as Dean-Armorer refused to invalidate the election result, leaving its 28-13 margin in the election untouched.
Speaking to reporters outside the Hall of Justice, Port-of-Spain, after the judgment was delivered, Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar claimed victory.
“Today I declare victory on behalf of the petitioners. It has been a very gruelling exercise but I say we celebrate victory because we brought these matters for the rule of law and definitely for the democracy of T&T, and we have definitely succeeded on that limb where the judge has found the EBC acted illegally and breached the law,” Persad-Bissessar said as she addressed dozens of visibly dejected supporters who gathered outside the court.
Without criticising Dean-Armorer’s judgment directly, Persad-Bissessar said her party was resolute in its stance that the election results should have been invalidated and would be lodging an appeal.
“I am of the firm view now, as when we decided to bring these cases before the court, that the EBC acted illegally and these results are also illegal and should be set aside. That is the next step. I am of the firm view that we will eventually be victorious,” Persad-Bissessar said.
She said the court’s ruling on the EBC’s decision vindicated her party, as it had been accused of wasting time with a frivolous and vexatious case.
Like Persad-Bissessar, Attorney General and San Fernando West MP Faris Al-Rawi described the judgment as a victory.
“It is a square victory. We are extremely pleased and elated that the judge found merit in our submissions,” Al-Rawi said.
Asked if the Government would consider amending election legislation to more clearly define the EBC’s power and limitations, Al-Rawi said it would consider it only after the case is decided by the Court of Appeal.
Deputy House Speaker and Tunapuna MP Esmond Ford was also present for the judgment and said he was pleased by it.
“I am happy that the situation is over but there is still an appellate process and I trust that the court would continue to do its work. The people have spoken in Tunapuna. I won my seat by 3,800 votes.”