In an unprecedented move, a political candidate went to the High Court to try to block the January 19 general election from proceeding.
Philip Catlyn of the Barbados Sovereignty Party had filed the application on the grounds that the exclusion of COVID-19 positive individuals from the election breaches Section 6 of the Representation of the People Act, which enshrines the right of eligible residents and citizens to vote.
But a High Court judge dismissed the challenge, ruling that she did not have the jurisdiction to hear the matter and the action was incorrectly filed.
Barbadians shared their views on our social media pages.
Philip Searles
Change is needed quickly. No matter who wins.
Heather Cole
This fundamental right of Barbadian democracy should be protected at all cost. Our ancestors sacrificed too much for us to have this right to allow it to go unchallenged.
Evria Ince Waldron
All those in home isolation, if it has been five days since your last COVID test and you are in good physical shape, [you] should mask up, sanitise, go out and vote. It is your right!!!! Nowaitingonnohealthmistry!!! TheymaynevergettoU!!!!
tyroneshahe
I think it’s a bit late but with that said, it sets the right stage for election reform…. Either have a set date for elections or make it law that election be announced six months before the date for voting with campaigning only allowed three months before the date for voting.
coconutcookie23
A waste of valuable time.
menard361
All eligible Barbadians should have the right to vote
msjust_organise_yourself
Waste of time…but double standards in high places…two Barbados[es]
