Economist Dr Terrence Farrell is describing as farcical the 2020 General Election recount process initiated by the United National Congress in five marginal constituencies.
In a brief letter to the Editor on Friday, Farrell observed that "Trinidad and Tobago is now experiencing a public health emergency given the exponential increase in COVID-19 cases."
This, he said, "requires a functional Cabinet and Minister of Health to promulgate the changes in the regulations to bring the spread under control."
Farrell said those candidates who initiated the recounts know that nothing will change and urged Jearlean John, Nabila Greene, David Nakhid, Colonel Ahloy Hunt to "please end these farcical recounts now!"
"You and the rest of the population know that the recounts will change nothing. Let the new Cabinet be sworn-in to deal with the emerging public health crisis," Farrell said.
The UNC had ordered recounts in the marginal constituencies of La Horquetta/Talparo, St Joseph, San Fernando West, Toco/Sangre Grande and Tunapuna. Progressive Democratic Patriots (PDP) leader Watson Duke had also ordered a recount of the Tobago East seat but conceded to People's National Movement candidate Ayanna Webster-Roy soon after the recount started.
Faris Al-Rawi has since won the recount over Sean Sobers in San Fernando West.
However, the Elections and Boundaries Commission has noted that the recount process is being delayed because the UNC candidates are not fully cooperating with the presiding officers who are in charge of the recount processes. The process was still ongoing in the four outstanding constituencies yesterday and will continue this weekend.
On Friday, Farrell warned the UNC candidates that the"consequences of delay will be on your heads and on the leadership of the UNC who instigated this farce."