PLP rejects claims against Bastian nomination, cites constitutional compliance
NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The Progressive Liberal Party has defended the nomination of Fort Charlotte candidate Sebas Bastian, rejecting claims that his candidacy is in conflict with constitutional provisions regarding government contracts. The issue was addressed during the party’s weekly campaign press conference on Sunday, where PLP legal team member Keenan Johnson said there is no […] The post PLP rejects claims against Bastian nomination, cites constitutional compliance first appeared on Bahamas National.
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NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The Progressive Liberal Party has defended the nomination of Fort Charlotte candidate Sebas Bastian, rejecting claims that his candidacy is in conflict with constitutional provisions regarding government contracts.
The issue was addressed during the party’s weekly campaign press conference on Sunday, where PLP legal team member Keenan Johnson said there is no legal restriction preventing an individual with an interest in a government contract from seeking election to the House of Assembly.
“There is no provision in the law or the Constitution that prevents anyone who has or has an interest in a government contract from being nominated or elected,” Johnson said.
The clarification follows a formal protest lodged on Nomination Day by Lincoln Bain, who challenged Bastian’s eligibility.
Johnson explained that the Constitution instead requires disclosure of such interests, not disqualification. He noted that the law mandates candidates to declare any involvement in government contracts through publication in the official gazette within a specific timeframe.
“What the Constitution provides is that you must disclose any such interest via notice in the gazette,” he said.
He further addressed what he described as widespread misunderstanding of the timing requirement, emphasizing that disclosures are to be made within one month preceding the general election.
With Election Day set for May 12, Johnson said the relevant disclosure window runs from April 12 to May 11.
“There’s confusion because persons are missing the ‘within’ requirement. The law clearly sets out that disclosures are to be made within that one-month period before the election,” he said.
Johnson added that PLP candidates have already submitted the necessary disclosures to the Parliamentary Registration Department and that publication in the gazette and daily newspapers is expected shortly.
Nomination Day was held on April 16, placing it within the disclosure window. Advance polling is scheduled for April 30.
The party maintains that all of its candidates, including Bastian, are fully compliant with the law as the campaign season continues.
The post PLP rejects claims against Bastian nomination, cites constitutional compliance first appeared on Bahamas National.
