The Speaker of the regional parliament, Rudi Walsh NT (PSD) today attempted to block the democratic vote of the region in approving a new WA Delegate.
The move from the Party of Social Democrats (PSD), a new regional party, comes as only FRS, the ODU candidate, has been nominated for election.
The unprecedented decision to block the election of FRS was justified by the Speaker as "constitutional" with Walsh stating:
"FRS is the only one competing for the prime position of the WA delegate and I can legally block this election with my powers to withholding polling. A one horse race will not fly unless another nation nominates a candidate."
Walsh claimed that it was within the powers of the Speaker to block an election, however, the constitution does not state this.
Instead, the constitution states that "the Speaker of the regional parliament must approve a vote on impeachment, and the founder must consent before a vote takes place." Walsh interpreted this to be powers to block an election, a point which was later debunked by the WA Delegate, Anna Rigby, MC (ODU), who immediately called an election.
Mrs Rigby of the ODU stated that "it was the democratic imperative of the region to elect a new WA delegate" and that it would cause "total chaos" if a WA Delegate was not elected on time.
Walsh later apologised for her decision, stating that she was acting in an attempt to prevent the appointment of FRS without an election.
Some have commentated the move was appropriate, as the approval of only one candidate could be seen as undemocratic. However, the ODU, keen to hang on to the Delegacy, stated that "there are procedures" and that "they must be followed".
Many believe that the ODU is attempting to hurry the election procedure, and quickly elect FRS to preserve the parties position before any serious opposition emerged.
When asked for comment, an ODU spokesperson stated that "it was the intention of the party to act in the regional interest".
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