Director of Elections Danville Walker, yesterday admitted under cross-examination that in August he saw a letter from the chairman of the People's National Party (PNP) which referred to seven constituencies in which candidates were not qualified to participate in the general election.

He said he believed he got the letter right after he issued the first press release on August 16. The press release stated that all 146 candidates for the September general election were properly nominated.

Walker said nothing in that letter could have stopped him from issuing the press releases. On being asked if the letter was discussed at a meeting on August 16, he said he would have to see the minutes.

When the court resumed after the lunch break, the court was informed that Walker was unable to return to court. The case has been set for continuation on December 28.

Walker has been testifying since Tuesday in the election petition brought by PNP candidate Abe Dabdoub. He is contending that Daryl Vaz should not have been elected as Member of Parliament because he is a U.S. citizen and has pledged allegiance to a foreign power, which is in breach of the Constitution.

Denies JLP link

Cross-examined further, Walker denied the suggestions that his published remarks were calculated to assist Vaz and the JLP generally.

He also denied entering into any political arena when he issued the press releases.

After Dabdoub closed his case on Tuesday, Vaz called Walker as his first witness.

Yesterday attorney-at-law Gayle Nelson, who is representing Dabdoub, complained to Chief Justice Zaila McCalla that Vaz, who was sitting at the back of the courtroom, was attempting to provoke Dabdoub with certain words.

In response, the Chief Justice said if that was being done then Vaz should desist.