By Vivian Tyson - SUN Associate Editor

Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands Hon. Galmo Williams has called a snap election three months after taking over the reins of power from embattled former Premier Michael Misick. 
The election, which the Premier announced to be held in October 26, has been called in the middle of the Progressive National Party (PNP) administration, as constitutionally, general election is not due until February, 2011. 
The election announcement comes in the heat of a tug-a-war between local politicians and the United Kingdom Government, who are due, in another week and a half, to suspend parts of the local Constitution and institute direct rule from Westminister through the Governor. 
The announcement to suspend the Constitution comes in the wake a damning United Kingdom-sanctioned Commission of Inquiry report, which said that it discovered corruption within Government.
The following is the Premier’s statement: 

My fellow Turks and Caicos Islanders, pursuant to Article 55(1) of the Turks and Caicos Islands Constitution Order 2006, I have today advise His Excellency the Governor to prorogue the House of Assembly effective August 21st, 2009, and to dissolve the House of Assembly pursuant to Article 55(2) of the Constitution on October 1st, 2009 and set October 22nd 2009 as the date for the next General Elections.

I understand that setting a date for elections in October may seem far off, but I assure you that this was only done so as to ensure that new laws governing political parties, funding of election campaigns and laws governing elections generally, are in place before these elections are held.

In my meeting this morning with His Excellency, the Governor, I have asked him to request that the United Kingdom Government provide us assistance in drafting these bits of legislation and setting up these important institutions so that we could go into these elections with these new pieces of legislation and new institutions in effect.

His Excellency the Governor has indicated that he shall have to consult with his bosses in London before he accedes to this advice, and I urge him to make every effort to ensure that a speedy reply is made.

Rest assured that this move is in the best interest of democracy in our country as it is my view that anyone who hopes to govern this land should first face the people in an election campaign and seek and receive their mandate to govern.

I thank you for your support, and pray God’s blessings on our Turks and Caicos Islands.