Walker

Edmond Campbell, News Coordinator

The question of Danville Walker's eligibility for the post of director of elections was raised yesterday during the election petition hearing in the Supreme Court involving the West Portland Member of Parliament, Daryl Vaz.

Mr. Walker has acknowledged his dual citizenship with the United States and Jamaica.

During cross-examination yesterday, attorneys for Mr. Dabdoub questioned Mr. Walker's eligibility for the post of director of elections based on the provisions of the Electoral Commission (Interim) Act of 2006.

Allegiance issue

According to the act, no person shall be qualified to be nominated commissioner (of the Electoral Commission) or the director of elections, if he, by virtue of his own act, swears allegiance to a foreign power or state.

However, a source close to Mr. Walker said he believes the Jamaican Constitution gives him the right to work in Jamaica and makes no reference to dual citizenship with respect to his position as director of elections.

The source further pointed out that the provisions of the Electoral Commission Interim Act are subordinate to those of the Jamaican Constitution.

Mr. Walker is scheduled to continue his testimony on Monday.

Dabdoub, who challenged Vaz for the West Portland seat in the September 3 general election, claimed that by virtue of swearing allegiance to a foreign power, Vaz should be disqualified as a Member of Parliament.