Elections 2023
Independent Observers Praise Well-Run General Election in the British Virgin Islands
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)
A bill proposing wide-ranging changes to the Virgin Islands’ electoral system was introduced in the House of Assembly today, Tuesday, April 22, by Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley.
The proposed Elections (Amendment) Act, 2026, is based on consultations with stakeholders and recommendations from observer missions, as well as input from the Deputy Governor’s Office and the Office of the Supervisor of Elections.
“This is the Elections Amendment Act 2026, following extensive deliberations with a number of entities, including a committee of the House who looked at recommendations of various observer missions that came to The Virgin Islands,” Hon. Wheatley said during the continuation of the Second Sitting of the Third Session of the Fifth House of Assembly.
He said the bill also builds on work undertaken by the previous House of Assembly. “Also, the last House of Assembly looked at a number of recommendations that were forwarded through the Deputy Governor’s Office and the Office of the Supervisor of Elections,” he said.
Hon. Wheatley said the proposed amendments were developed through discussions on changes to the Elections Act. “We had very extensive discussions about amendments to the Elections Act, and of course, those recommendations were used to make this Amendment Act. This received its first reading some time ago, and now we are here to debate this Elections Act, so that it can therefore become law,” he said.
The bill introduces several reforms to the electoral framework, including expanded access to voting through mobile and curbside options for individuals with physical limitations and the formal use of assistive technologies for voters with disabilities.
It also provides for the establishment of a Department of Elections and an Elections Advisory Committee to oversee voter registration and election administration.
Additional provisions include a formal Code of Conduct for political parties and candidates, along with new rules governing campaign donations and political financing.
The legislation also proposes restrictions on the announcement of major public grants or projects shortly before an election, aimed at addressing potential incumbency advantages.
The bill has already received its first reading and is expected to be referred to a committee when the House of Assembly resumes on April 30, 2026, at 10 a.m., where it will undergo further review as part of the legislative process.
The National Democratic Party (NDP) has recommended Hon. Marlon A. Penn for appointment as Leader of the Opposition following his election as Political Leader of the party, according to a statement issued on April 21.
The recommendation was made by the four elected Opposition members of the House of Assembly after consultation, in accordance with Section 70 of the Virgin Islands Constitution Order, 2007.
The party said the recommendation has been formally submitted to His Excellency the Governor, Daniel Pruce, for consideration and appointment.
Penn was elected Political Leader of the NDP during the party’s National Convention held on April 18, 2026.
Under the Constitution, the Governor appoints the Leader of the Opposition from among members of the House of Assembly who command the support of the majority of Opposition members.
In its statement, the NDP said the recommendation reflects the confidence of Opposition members and the party in Penn’s leadership and experience.
“The appointment reflects the confidence of the Opposition Members and the National Democratic Party in the leadership, experience, and commitment of Honourable Penn to effectively represent the interests of the people of the Virgin Islands,” the statement said.
The party said further updates will be provided following formal confirmation of the appointment.
The National Democratic Party (NDP) elected a new leadership team during its National Convention on April 18, at Maria’s by the Sea, with Marlon A. Penn, Melvin Mitch Turnbull, Paul A. Hewlett and Andrea Walters among those selected to key positions following a series of contested and uncontested races among 121 delegates.
Penn was elected Chairman after securing 65 votes in a contested race against Mark H. Vanterpool, who received 39 votes, and Ronnie W. Skelton, who received 17 votes, according to official results released by the party.
Turnbull was elected Deputy Chairman with 64 votes, defeating Myron V. Walwyn, who received 57 votes in another closely watched contest.
Hewlett was confirmed as President after running unopposed, while Walters was elected Vice President, defeating Troy Christopher.
Delegates also elected Messena Vanterpool-Pompey as Secretary, Sharnette Chalwell as Assistant Secretary, Eldon Solomon as Treasurer, Cathy-Ann Bascombe as Assistant Treasurer, Dorilyn Edwards as Chaplain, Aaliyah Inniss as Chairperson of the Youth Movement and Lisa Smith as Chairperson of the Women’s Movement.
The convention, which brought together delegates from across the territory, marked a key step for the party as it finalizes its leadership structure ahead of the next general election.
In remarks following his election, Penn said the outcome signaled a new phase for the organization.
“I am profoundly grateful and honoured for the support and confidence vested in me to lead the party into the next general elections,” Penn said. “I honestly believe that today marks a renewed chapter for the National Democratic Party. We are united, focused, and ready to restore confidence in leadership while delivering meaningful results for the people of these Virgin Islands.”
Turnbull, speaking after his election, said the leadership team would prioritize unity and practical solutions.
“Our focus is on unity, rebuilding trust, and advancing practical solutions that improve the lives of the people of these Virgin Islands,” Turnbull said.
The NDP, one of the Virgin Islands’ principal political parties, holds internal conventions to elect officers and set direction as it prepares for national campaigns.
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