Both the government and the main opposition New Democratic Party (NDP) are optimistic as they prepare to present arguments before the High Court today (Monday) on the two election petitions filed by the NDP.
The petitions were given a new lease on life when the Court of Appeal ruled on March 7 that High Court judge, Justice Brian Cottle showed apparent bias in his decision to throw out the petitions last June.
The NDP is challenging the results of the Dec. 9, 2015 general elections in the constituencies of Central Leeward and North Windward.
Citing irregularities, the NDP is asking the court to overturn the results and declare its candidates, Ben Exeter and Lauron Baptiste as the winners or to order fresh elections in those districts.
The government, however, is arguing that the petitions were improperly filed and has asked the court to dismiss them.
On the other hand, lawyers for the NDP are contending that that application by the respondents is also not properly before the court.
Chief Justice Janice Pereira has appointed High Court judge Justice Esco Henry to hear the case and the hearing is slated for today and Thursday at the High Court building in Kingstown.
Any decision by the court ordering fresh elections will see the collapse of the Ralph Gonsalves-led Unity Labour Party administration, which has a single-seat majority in Parliament.
Both the NDP and the government have said that they are confident that they will succeed.
However the court rules this week, the matter Is not expected to be resolved immediately, as the losing party is expected to appeal.