|
NEWS RELEASE
from the
Liberal Democrats on Harlow District Council |
| Contact | Cllr Lorna Spenceley |
| Release | Monday 5 May 2003 |
POSTAL BALLOTS: LIBERAL DEMOCRAT GROUP STATEMENT
Following its Annual Group Meeting on Saturday 3 May, the Liberal Democrat Group on Harlow District Council issued the following statement.
"We are shocked and angry at the administration of the local election of Thursday 1 May, in which several thousand Harlow voters were denied their democratic right to have their vote counted, through irregularities with the production of their postal ballot papers.
"Elections are impartial, not run by politicians - all the political parties, and more importantly local voters, are affected by such a serious error. This major incident, whatever its cause, has the potential to seriously undermine residents' confidence in the democratic process for years to come.
"A full and independent inquiry must take place immediately to investigate how this scandalous situation arose, and to make recommendations to councillors. We hope councillors of all parties, who should have the same interest in safeguarding local democracy, will work together constructively to assist the inquiry, and seek to restore confidence in the electoral process."
ENDS