BARBADOS – Residents in St James North will head to the polls on May 21 to elect a new representative, Prime Minister Mia Mottley announced on Friday.
In a statement, she disclosed that she had earlier received formal notice from President of Barbados Dame Sandra Mason, confirming a vacancy in the House of Assembly following the resignation of veteran Member of Parliament Edmund Hinkson.
She explained that under Section 47(2) of the Constitution of Barbados, the president is required to issue a writ for the election of a new member within 90 days of the seat becoming vacant.
Following consultations, Mottley said she recommended that the writ be issued on Saturday, April 26.
Nomination Day has been set for Tuesday, May 6, with voters casting their ballots two weeks later on Wednesday, May 21.
“This is a quick election, and as we approach this important date, let us all show the best of who we are – respectful, responsible, and proud,” Mottley added. “Let us exercise our rights peacefully upon the dignity of the process.”
The by-election follows Hinkson’s formal resignation from the House of Assembly earlier this week, bringing to an end his 16-year tenure as the representative for St James North.
Both major political parties have already confirmed their candidates.
The ruling Barbados Labour Party (BLP) has ratified Minister of Educational Transformation Senator Chad Blackman to contest the seat, while the Democratic Labour Party (DLP) has named opposition spokesperson on education Felicia Dujon as its candidate.
The contest will be the first electoral test since the BLP’s sweeping victory in the January 2022 general election and is being closely watched as a measure of political momentum ahead of the next nationwide polls which is constitutionally due in 2027. (Barbados TODAY)
