Adhere to election code of conduct advises Office of the Supervisor of Elections

The British VIrgin Islands Office of the Supervisor of Elections has warned politicians against spreading misinformation and disinformation about political parties and independent candidates contesting the April 24 general elections.

In a public notice, the  Office of the Supervisor of Elections has advised candidates to adhere to the election code of conduct and  “avoid defamation of character of their opponents, their families and supporters.”

A total of 42 candidates have so far registered with the Office of the Supervisor of Elections – 13 from the Virgin Islands Party (VIP), nine from the National Democratic Party (NDP) and another nine from the Progressive Virgin Islands Movement (PVIM).

The 11 other candidates are independents or represent smaller parties.

Campaigning in all nine districts officially kicked off mid April with Nomination Day set for April 13.

 Politicians have been warned to avoid abusive attacks on candidates for “their political affiliation, race, social origins and background, education, gender, religion or any other reason.”

And to speak the truth and not intimate or  “victimise a person (or) interfere with employment rights.”

Additionally, The office has encouraged all candidates not to disseminate inaccurate information about the electoral process and “accept the result of an election or challenge the result by due process of law.”

Only one of the three major parties have a full slate of candidates for the April 24 general elections.

VIP is fielding a full roster of 13 candidates – four territorial at-large and nine district candidates.

VIP district candidates are Dr Karl Dawson (First District), Marieta Flax-Headley (Second District), Kevin Smith (Third District), Luce Hodge-Smith (Fourth District), Deputy Premier Kye Rymer (Fifth District), Alvera Maduro-Caines (Sixth District), Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley ( Seventh District), Allen Wheatley (Eighth District) and Vincent Wheatley (Ninth District.)

While territorial at-large candidates are Neville Smith, Carvin Malone, Sharie De Castro, Zoe J. Walcott

NDP’s nine candidates include five district candidates and four territorial at-large candidates.

District candidates are Aaron Parillon (Third District), Sandy Harrigan-Underill (Fourth District), Myron Walwyn (Sixth District), NDP leader Marlon Penn (Eighth District) and Coy Levons (Ninth District).  There will not be a NDP candidate on the ballot in districts one, two, five and seven.

Territorial at-large candidates are Kedrick Pickering, Lorna Smith, Renard Estridge and Allen O’Neal.

PVIM’s nine candidates are Silvia Romney (First District), Melvin “Mitch” Turnbull (Second District), Ian Smith (Fourth District), Marvin Blyden (Fifth District) and Shereen D. Flax-Charles (Ninth District). Voters will not be able to vote for a PVIM candidate in districts three, six, seven and eight.

Stacy “Buddha” Mather, Ingrid Moses-Scatliffe, Shaina Smith-Archer, and Party Chairman Ronnie Skelton are the Territorial at-large candidates.

 Advance polling day is April 20.