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DOI criticised for lack of planning over local elections

Wed, 21 Jul 2021

A solution hasn’t been found yet for those who wanted to vote in this week’s local authority elections but are self-isolating.

Many are concerned they won’t be able to take part in the democratic process as a result, including some local representatives.

The infrastructure minister, who confirmed the date of the contests two months ago, confirmed the DOI is looking at ‘every possible option’ to help people vote ‘safely and legally’.

Critics have hit out at Tim Baker for a lack of planning and say a surge in Covid-19 cases was ‘entirely predictable’.

The department offers support to all local authorities and guidance on legislation, which is set by government.

Advice from the Attorney General was a change to absent voter regulations may be possible, but would be hard to do in short-time frame.

Suggestions include opening socially distanced polling stations for those in isolation.

Tim Baker claims the issue is being ‘taken extremely seriously’.

However, speaking in Tynwald this week, he said it was very unlikely anything could be done:
 

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Media

• Baker Tynwald Clip

 

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