The People’s National Party (PNP) is defending its decision to reject the candidacy of Craig Oates in Eastern Hanover.

General Secretary Dr Dayton Campbell, in a statement, explained that “the PNP’s candidate selection process is a rigorous one in which each applicant has to undergo thorough evaluation before being confirmed in the constituency”.

Campbell said having gone through the process, Oates was unsuccessful and it was determined that he would not be the party’s candidate for the constituency. The PNP general secretary outlined the criteria which Oates failed to meet:

1. Failure to Meet Internal Requirements: In March, the regional appraisal committee conducted a comprehensive review of Mr Oates’ candidacy. The committee unanimously agreed that he was not suitable for the role and did not recommend him as the candidate for Eastern Hanover.
2. Unfavourable Poll Findings: Two Independent poll findings revealed that Mr Craig Oates did not meet the standard required by the party in order to be selected as the candidate.
3. Failure to satisfy terms of work programme: Mr Oates, as the sole applicant remaining in the process, was placed on a three-month programme of work in July 2023 to improve his ratings, Mr Oates was overseas for more than two-thirds of the period of his work programme.

The PNP pointed out that Oates, a native of the area, was one of two candidates who submitted applications in January to represent the part in the constitutency. It said the second candidate later withdrew his application, leaving Oates as the sole applicant.

However, Campbell said Oates was not selected and was duly advised.

The PNP said its decision not to confirm Oates in line with its commitment to transparency, integrity, and the democratic process. “The decision not to confirm Mr Craig Oates as the PNP candidate for Eastern Hanover is in line with these principles and is made with the best interests of the constituents at heart,” the party said, adding that it will “continue to work diligently to ensure that the Eastern Hanover constituency is represented by a candidate who aligns with the party’s values and is dedicated to the well-being of the people”.