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)
The 2024 Preliminary Voters List for the Virgin Islands has been released for public review, as mandated by Section 18 (6) of the Elections Act 1994 and its amendments. The list includes a total of 16,106 registered voters across the Territory’s nine electoral districts.
Supervisor of Elections, Scherrie Griffin, emphasised the importance of this review process, urging the public to ensure their information is accurate. “The publication of the Preliminary Voters List plays a crucial role in keeping the Territory’s Voters List up-to-date throughout the year. It is essential that individuals check their registration details for their respective districts,” Griffin stated.
The list is available for inspection at 48 locations throughout the Virgin Islands, including supermarkets, clinics, bars, restaurants, stores, government buildings, and the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport. Additionally, the list can be accessed online at bvi.gov.vg/elections.
Those with objections or claims regarding the list must submit them between September 6 and 19 at the Office of the Supervisor of Elections, located in the Creque Building on Main Street, Tortola.
The Office of the Supervisor of Elections is reminding the public that voter registration is currently open. Eligible individuals are encouraged to register.
According to Section (2) of the Virgin Islands Constitution Order, 2007, eligibility to vote requires being a Belonger aged 18 or older and domiciled in the Virgin Islands.
To register, individuals must present a Virgin Islands Passport with an embossed seal, a Belonger’s Card, or a Belonger’s Certificate. A Naturalisation Certificate dated before June 15, 2007, is also acceptable.
Furthermore, Section 17(1) of the Elections (Amendment) Act No. 14 of 2011 states:
“A registered voter who is ordinarily resident in the Territory and who moves his place of residence from within one local electoral district or polling division to another, may have his name transferred to the list of voters for the local electoral district or polling division to which he has moved if he applies on Form No. 9 and establishes, to the satisfaction of the Supervisor of Elections, proof of residence within the local electoral district or polling division to which he/she has moved.”
Individuals who have changed their residence and wish to transfer their registration are encouraged to apply. Supporting documents for a transfer can include cable, water, electricity, or telephone bills, a rent receipt, lease agreement, or a notarized document stating the new address.
Registration and Transfer forms are available at the Office of the Supervisor of Elections, Road Town Post Office, the District Offices on Anegada and Virgin Gorda, and the Government Office on Jost Van Dyke. These forms can also be accessed online at BVI Government’s website under the services tab.
For further information, please contact the Office of the Supervisor of Elections at 284-468-4380 or 284-468-3701 Ext. 4380 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. The office is located at Creque’s Building, #216 Upper Main Street, Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands.
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.
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