Parnell criticises election postponement

Douglas Parnell, the leader of the Peoples Democratic Movement in the Turks and Caicos Islands, has criticised the decision of the British Government to postpone general elections in the territory.



Henry Bellingham, the British minister for Overseas Territories, who is on an official visit to the TCI, says the delay is to allow the interim government to undertake further important work on public financial management and good governance reform.



In August 2009, sections of the TCI Constitution were suspended, following a Commission of Inquiry report into allegations of corruption by the Michael Misick government.



The leader of the interim government says the postponement of the general election will hamper the socio-economic development of the TCI.



Douglas Parnell also says the delay serves to deny Turks and Caicos Islanders their democratic right to elect their representatives.



General elections are due by July 2011.