UDP Freetown Candidate OJ Elrington has created a firestorm of controversy with a Referendum Day Raffle that he sent out this weekend. The raffle offers cash as the first prize, along with other items such as appliances and trips, and would be held hourly.
Well, even in a very cynical political system - that's taking it too far - and both the PUP and the NGO called Citizens for Defense of Sovereignty have come raining down on Elrington.
The PUP calls it, quote, "a blatant attempt to bribe Belizeans to vote YES to the ICJ…an outrageous, (and) shameless act…The attempt by the UDP to reduce the sacred voting rights of our people to a raffle, cannot be countenanced." End quote.
And CDS - which is pro - ICJ - says, quote, "The CDS strongly denounces these raffles, whether or not they promote or suggest a particular vote. Such promise or offer to give any gift during the voting process is unlawful, immoral and unethical. Additionally, this activity greatly diminishes the importance of the decision Belizeans must make and the value of our sacred democratic process." End quote.
Both groups called for the raffle to be halted. Well, candidate OJ heard loud and clear - and, he's listening, but he's not going quietly. He posted on his facebook page today, quote, "The raffle tickets were not issued conditionally on voting yes or at all for that fact but rather simply for registered voters in Freetown. However, I have decided after consultation to reschedule our raffle to Mother's Day as I would not want a red herring artificially created by the PUP to distract from the importance of our appointment with history." End quote.
But, he adds, quote, "there has been credible reports that persons are being promised bribes of $200 to vote No in the referendum." End quote. To which we can only say, PUDP rules, end of story.
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