Massive fraud Voter transfers well financed says Donaldson

From Trinidad Guardian
October 16, 2000

FORMER National Security Minister, John Donaldson, said yesterday attempts to transfer electors' names from United National Congress (UNC) stronghold constituencies to those considered marginal seats was an act of massive fraud.

"The reports were not just allegations, they were concrete indications of the many instances and attempts to rob the citizens of their legitimate choices at the polls," he added.

Donaldson, who served as National Security Minister under a former People's National Movement (PNM) Government, spoke in his capacity as party vice-chairman during yesterday's news briefing at Balisier House following the general council meeting. "The attempt to transfer these names is a massive, well-organised, well-financed exercise," the former minister stressed.

Donaldson conceded, however, he was not sure what charges could be laid against those involved in the alleged illegal activity. Commissioner of Police Hilton Guy launched an investigation into the allegation after he was given documentary evidence by PNM leader Patrick Manning last Monday.

The Elections and Boundaries Commission (EBC) is also investigating the claim. "There is a lot of information about massive fraud being attempted in respect of these forthcoming elections. This is something new and massive," Donaldson said. On another matter, the need for international observers to monitor the general election, Donaldson said it was now up to Prime Minister Basdeo Panday to ensure this happens.

He said the request came from an "overriding concern" of the PNM that "it was not unlikely that attempts would be made to corrupt the election procedure." This, Donaldson said, was endorsed because of information about the padding of the voters' list in the last two weeks. Manning said the PNM had full confidence in the integrity and professionalism of the EBC and the Commissioner of Police..

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