Dabdoub to apply for stay of execution

Defeated PNP candidate for West Portland, Abe Dabdoub is expected today to apply for a stay of execution of the judgment in the dual citizenship case against Member of Parliament, Daryl Vaz.



Last month, Chief Justice Zaila McCalla ordered that a by-election should be held in the constituency.



She granted a 42-day stay of execution, which meant there could not be a by-election during that time. It also meant that Mr. Vaz was allowed to remain in Parliament for those 42 days.



Both Mr. Dabdoub and Mr. Vaz have since appealed the Chief Justice’s ruling.



Mr. Dabdoub believes he should have been automatically awarded the seat since he had warned voters that Mr. Vaz was an American citizen.



He wants the court to extend the stay of execution until his appeal is heard.



Mr. Dabdoub is also expected today to file an application in the Supreme Court asking the Chief Justice to vary her judgment, so that order for costs can be made against Mr. Vaz.



Both parties are expected to pay their legal costs, as Chief Justice McCalla had not made a ruling regarding the issue.



Mr. Dabdoub said Mr. Vaz should be made to pay the legal costs because he won the case.



Mr. Dabdoub also wants the Chief Justice to reconsider her order that he should pay the legal costs in respect of the Attorney General and the returning officer.