On Wednesday, 30 April, voters in the Cayman Islands won’t solely elect their subsequent authorities — they’ll even have the possibility to weigh in on three main nationwide points by a referendum.
For the primary time, the islands will mix a common election with a public vote on key questions which have sparked widespread dialogue:
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Ought to the Cayman Islands develop cruise berthing infrastructure?
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Do you assist the introduction of a nationwide lottery?
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Do you assist the decriminalisation of the consumption and possession of small quantities of hashish?
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Whereas the final election will decide who sits within the subsequent Parliament, the referendum offers registered voters a direct say on points shaping the islands’ future. Nevertheless, officers stress that the referendum is non-binding, that means the outcomes will information authorities choices however received’t routinely change any legal guidelines.
“This referendum is about understanding the general public’s views on points which have generated quite a lot of dialog,” authorities officers stated in an announcement. “It’s an opportunity for voters to have a direct voice.”
A non-binding referendum serves as an advisory instrument — a method for the federal government to take the heart beat of the nation with out committing instantly to motion. In keeping with the Cayman Islands Structure, solely referendums triggered by a citizen-led petition of not less than 25% of registered voters should be binding. Since this referendum was government-initiated, the outcomes are usually not legally enforceable, although they might affect future laws and coverage debates.
Authorities leaders stated they opted for a non-binding vote to permit for extra flexibility and extra consultations earlier than making last choices. The outcomes will function “a compass fairly than a command,” pointing policymakers towards public preferences.
The choice to carry the referendum alongside the final election is available in response to sturdy public curiosity on all three matters. By pairing the 2 votes, officers hope to maximise participation and provides the citizens a fuller voice in shaping the islands’ subsequent chapter.
Main as much as 30 April, the federal government has been rolling out academic campaigns by public conferences, media outreach, and a devoted referendum web site to assist voters make knowledgeable choices.
On Election and Referendum Day, voters might be handed separate ballots for the final election and the referendum, and requested to vote ‘sure’ or ‘no’ on every of the three nationwide questions. The Elections Workplace will oversee the rely, with official outcomes introduced quickly after.
Whereas the referendum outcomes received’t instantly change the regulation, they’ll give the following authorities — and the broader public — a transparent sense of the place Cayman stands on these crucial points.
