Women MPs from the Commonwealth countries voted for a new chairperson of their association in an emotional election Friday that was initially characterised by tension, mistrust and emotions.
But it all ended with dance, song and laughter as the 74 delegates elected Ms Alix Boyd Knights, the Speaker of Dominica House of Assembly in the Carribean, the new chairperson of the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians.
The 65 year old Ms Knights, a lawyer, garnered 54 votes to beat Canada’s Charlotte L’Ecuyer a social worker and human rights campaigner who managed 18 votes.
Ms Rebecca Kadaga, the Deputy Speaker of Uganda’s Parliament had earlier been picked as the association’s chairperson.
The elections, presided over by the Amina Abdulla of Kenya, started off with heated arguments as the delegates disputed the voters’ register that had been released by the CWP’s steering committee.
Some MPs had bitterly protested the inclusion of names of delegates, who had not been in the original list. Others including outgoing chairperson Kashmala Tariq complained that their names were missing from the electoral list.
But some of the MPs pleaded with their colleagues to cool down and work towards ensuring a smooth, legitimate and democratic election.
“This situation is worrying. If we go on this way, we will be playing into the hands of the enemy, the people against women liberation and
gender equity,’’ Ms Monjowa lifaka Emilia, Cameroon Parliament’s Deputy Speaker, pleaded.
She called for sobriety saying: “I appeal to you fellow women, as leaders who hold responsible positions in our countries we should not
be seen to be divided over a few things that went wrong.’’
A cool and composed Ms Abdalla, the President of CPU, informed the MPs that only names of a few delegates had been included in the list to replace those from their countries who did not turn up to vote.
Sierra Leone’s former deputy Speaker Elizabeth Alpha-Lavalie and MP Marie Yansaneh were included in the voters register with Ms Abdalla explaining that their names had not been included earlier because their Parliament did not send them on them on time.
The two MPs told the meeting it had taken them four days to travel to Kenya due to complications and only arrived early Friday morning in time for the elections.
Baroness Corston of the United Kingdom, who was a candidate, withdrew from the race two days to the vote. When contacted by Saturday Nation she remarked: “It is a long story. I sensed there was something inappropriate going on and I did not want to be part of it.’’
The election process started with an address of 10 minutes each from the two candidates, to sell themselves to the voters.
The speeches of the two speakers received heavy applause as they outlined their vision of the women’s association.
Another candidate ,Ms Angela D’Amore, had earlier pulled out of the race.
