Political Leader of the New National Party and Former Prime Minister of Grenada , Dr the Right Honourable Keith Mitchell has hinted at an early poll by the ruling NDC Administration. Speaking to hundreds of women supporters at an NNP Women’s Seminar at the Grenada Trade Centre on Monday Dr. Mitchell stated that it is important that members of his party, prepare themselves for what seems to be a trend toward the calling of elections in Grenada prior to the duly constitutional date.

Dr, Mitchell called on his followers to ensure that they are registered to vote and that they not only find their own names on the electoral list but ensure that all names that should not be there are removed. He spoke of what he described as illegal moves by the Electoral Office to purchase, install and attempt to use equipment for the electoral process for which there is no provision in the laws of Grenada . The NNP Leader spoke of his party having blocked the process thus far in the Parliament which led to the setting up of a committee which comprises MP’s Bhola and Nimrod along with three members from the Government side to look at the draft legislation regarding the new proposed voter registration process.

Responding directly to statements in some quarters that individuals will not be allowed to vote unless they have in their possession a valid voter identification card, the Opposition Leader referred to the statement as nonsense; as laws could not be implemented before they are passed. As such he stated that moves by the Electoral Office to inform people, of a law that is not yet passed, is improper.

Dr. Mitchell also referred to the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) Act which was brought to Parliament by the NDC Administration which rescinded the 2003 Act which established the FIU. He called the act unconstitutional and referred to it as nothing more than a tool to be used by the Government to harass opposition members. The NNP Leader stated that according to the Constitution of Grenada the powers of arrest in Grenada lay with either the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) or the Commissioner of Police (COP).

He further declared that these powers are unconstitutionally vested in the hands of the Director of the FIU along with the power to seize bank accounts of individuals among other things. He also stated that the Act gives immunity to the Head of the FIU thereby opening that office to gross abuse on the part of the holder since they cannot be held accountable for their actions. The Opposition Leader has stated that his party will challenge the legality of the new legislation while at the same time calling on the NDC Administration to implement the passed Integrity in Public Life and Anti-Corruption Legislation.