Several individuals who publicly declared their intention to contest the leadership of Accompong reportedly did not participate in a nomination process organized by associates of former Colonel/Chief Richard Currie.
According to reports, no candidate other than Currie appeared at the designated nomination centre. Among those absent were Meredith Rowe, Ferron Williams, Cadien Wallace, Sheldon Wallace, and Colin Palmer, all of whom had previously expressed interest in leading the Maroon community.
The absence of the candidates followed reports that the Supreme Court granted a 28-day injunction halting the nomination process scheduled for May 15 and the election set for May 22. Two prospective candidates reportedly stated that they would not participate in what they described as an unlawful process.
The candidates have also raised concerns about the voter enumeration exercise conducted by the Accompong Electoral Committee, which they allege was flawed. Supporters of the injunction application filed by Rowe claim that more than 70 percent of eligible voters from Elderslie, Johnson, Accompong Town, and other Maroon communities who participated in previous elections were removed from the voters’ list. They further allege that non-Maroons were added to the register.
Those opposing the current process are calling for the establishment of what they describe as an independent and impartial electoral committee, along with neutral election-day observers, before they would accept the outcome of any election as free and fair.
Meanwhile, Accompong Network News continues to monitor developments surrounding the dispute. As of the time of reporting, the Supreme Court injunction had been defied, raising concerns about the preservation of the traditions and governance norms of the Leeward Maroons of Accompong.
