Two political hopefuls eyeing the Conservative nomination in the riding of Avalon say they’re “disappointed” and “appalled” that the party chose to appoint a candidate, rather than go through a nomination process.

Steve Kent was acclaimed as the Tory candidate for the riding on Sunday.

In a joint statement posted to social media, Branden O’Brien and Jessica Babb say the party chose to exercise its right to appoint a candidate, which they argue “undermines the democratic values” that the community deserves.

O’Brien and Babb say their supporters have expressed frustration with the situation, which is a sentiment they share “wholeheartedly.”

They state that they have championed transparency and an open process, which they believe has been “disregarded in this instance.”

VOCM News reached out to Kent on Tuesday for comment, but has not heard back.