The Office of the Supervisor of Elections in the British Virgin Islands has announced the resumption of Voter Identification Card issuance.

To obtain the card, individuals must provide proof of identity along with updated registration information.

Accepted documents for proof of identity include a BVI Passport with an embossed seal, a Belonger Card, a Belonger Certificate, a Certificate of Naturalization (issued before June 15, 2007), or a previous Voter Identification Card if applicable.

Applicants seeking to change their name on the card or transfer their registration must submit specific documents. For a change of name, individuals must complete Form No.3 [Claim Form] in person at the Office of the Supervisor of Elections, accompanied by documents such as a Marriage Certificate, Divorce Decree, or Deed Poll. For transferring registration, Form No. 9 [Transfer of Registration] must be filled out in person at the Office of the Supervisor of Elections, along with additional proof of identity.

Additionally, applicants must provide proof of residence, which can include utility bills (Cable, Water, Electricity, or Telephone), rental receipts with the new address, or a notarized document from the head of household/lessee confirming residency.

It’s essential to note that utility bills or receipts must be dated within two months prior to the application date for a Voter Identification Card.

For further inquiries and information, individuals are encouraged to contact the Office of the Supervisor of Elections at 284-468-4380 or via email at electionsoffice@gov.vg.

The UK Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA UK) is set to hold a Post-Election Seminar for parliamentarians in the Virgin Islands from August 30 to September 1.

The seminar, hosted by the House of Assembly, aims to provide a platform for sharing parliamentary experiences, fostering discussions on the responsibilities of elected representatives, and exploring parliamentary procedure and scrutiny.

Honourable Corine N. George Massicote, Speaker of the House of Assembly, expressed her appreciation for the seminar, stating that it represents a valuable opportunity for the Territory’s parliamentarians to engage with their peers from across the Commonwealth. She emphasized the importance of collective contributions to governance and legislative practices within the Virgin Islands and commended CPA UK for their commitment to strengthening the parliamentary institution.

The seminar is part of the UK Overseas Territories Project (UKOTP) and continues CPA UK’s engagement with the Virgin Islands. The project has consistently aimed to cultivate good governance and enhance oversight of public finances in the UK Overseas Territories. Honourable Massicote highlighted the significance of the Post-Election Seminar in fostering meaningful dialogues among local parliamentarians and a delegation of parliamentarians from various Commonwealth countries.

Leading the delegation is Lilian Greenwood, Member of Parliament (UK), whose expertise will guide the discussions towards a deeper understanding of parliamentary processes. The delegation also includes Honourable Juan Watterson SHK and Joann Corkish from the Isle of Man, as well as Honourable Akierra Missick MP from the Turks and Caicos Islands.

CPA UK’s mission is to establish strong parliamentary relationships across the Commonwealth, Overseas Territories, Devolved Legislatures, and Crown Dependencies. By organizing a comprehensive program of parliamentary strengthening activities, the organization bridges the gap between nations and legislators. This approach involves planned collaborations with other parliaments to facilitate dynamic exchanges between UK and Commonwealth parliamentarians and officials.

The upcoming Post-Election Seminar in the Virgin Islands is a testament to CPA UK’s enduring dedication to fostering parliamentary excellence, promoting international collaboration, and propagating effective governance practices. Through interactive engagement and the sharing of insights, the seminar will undoubtedly amplify the voices of Virgin Islands parliamentarians, enriching the democratic fabric of the region.

The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) independent election observation mission has released its report on the 2023 General Election in the British Virgin Islands (BVI). The team of eight observers visited the BVI from 17th to 27th April to assess the electoral process and its compliance with international obligations and domestic laws.

The observers concluded that Election Day was conducted in an orderly, peaceful, and well-run manner. They also noted that the voting on Advance Polling Day proceeded smoothly. The observers commended the legal framework in place, which provides a solid foundation for democratic elections in the territory.

However, the mission identified areas for improvement and made 14 recommendations in their report. One of the key areas highlighted was the lack of campaign finance regulations. Despite several international instruments emphasizing fairness and transparency in election conduct, no legal changes were implemented before this election. The mission also recommended clarifying the policies and practices regarding the “belongership” status required for voting eligibility.

This marks the fourth election in the BVI that the CPA has observed since 2011, demonstrating the ongoing commitment to ensuring transparent and fair electoral processes.

Hon Fatoumatta Njai from The Gambia, who served as the Head of Mission, praised the well-administered election and commended the professionalism of polling staff. Efforts to promote voting among elderly voters and individuals with disabilities were also acknowledged.

The full report of the Election Observation Mission is now publicly available, following the preliminary statement issued shortly after Election Day.

The Governor of the British Virgin Islands, John Rankin CMG, welcomed the report and emphasized the importance of free and fair elections in democratic societies. He commended the Supervisor of Elections and her team for their diligent work in ensuring a well-run election. Governor Rankin also highlighted the 14 recommendations made by the CPA and expressed hope that the government and members of the House of Assembly would address them, particularly the need for campaign financing regulations.

The Supervisor of Elections echoed the sentiments expressed in the report and emphasized the Office’s commitment to strengthening electoral processes. She expressed the hope that the new administration would prioritize electoral reform early in its tenure to enhance the transparency and impartiality of future elections.

The CPA British Islands & Mediterranean Region (CPA BIMR), which acts as a secretariat to the UK branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA UK), is dedicated to promoting democracy and good governance. The CPA BIMR has been organizing Election Observer Missions in UK Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies since 2011.

Click link below for final report

final-report-bvi-final-version.pdf (uk-cpa.org)