Voting is underway throughout the Cayman Islands as a document 25,643 registered electors head to the polls immediately to decide on the territory’s subsequent authorities—and weigh in on three nationwide points by way of a non-binding referendum.
Polls opened at 7:00 a.m. and can shut at 6:00 p.m., with electoral officers confirming that over 2,500 Caymanians had already solid their ballots by way of postal and cellular voting previous to Election Day.
Immediately’s common election, monitored by observers from the Commonwealth Parliamentary Affiliation British Islands and Mediterranean Area, follows a politically dynamic interval that started with the 2021 vote, when impartial candidates secured a majority of seats.
This yr, the Folks’s Progressive Motion (PPM), led by Joey Hew, is contesting 13 seats. The newly fashioned Cayman Islands Nationwide Social gathering (CINP), headed by Dan Scott, is fielding 12 candidates, whereas the Caymanian Neighborhood Social gathering (TCCP), led by Andre Ebanks, is contesting 10. Quite a few impartial candidates are additionally within the race.
Underneath the Caymanian voting system, 19 members of Parliament might be elected through a first-past-the-post vote. The Legal professional Basic and Deputy Governor function ex officio members, appointed by the Governor and British monarch, respectively.
– Commercial –
Alongside the parliamentary vote, Caymanians are being requested to weigh in on three nationwide points by way of a referendum: whether or not to develop cruise berthing infrastructure, whether or not to help a nationwide lottery, and whether or not to decriminalise the possession and consumption of small quantities of hashish.
Whereas the referendum outcomes won’t be binding on the incoming administration, officers say the result will assist form future coverage.
“The upcoming referendum, initiated by the Cayman Islands Authorities, invitations voters to share their views on three nationwide subjects and assist form future selections,” the federal government stated in an announcement. “Nonetheless, this referendum is non-binding, which means the end result will information the federal government however won’t robotically result in a change in regulation or coverage.”
Supervisor of Elections Wesley Howell praised the document turnout of registered voters, calling it a optimistic signal for democracy within the British Abroad Territory.
“We’re thrilled to see such a outstanding enhance within the variety of registered electors,” Howell stated. “We’re working arduous to make sure that each eligible voter has the knowledge and sources they should solid their poll confidently. We encourage voters to plan forward, be told, and use the out there voting choices to make sure their voices are heard.”
The Elections Workplace echoed that sentiment, saying the increasing voters displays “the continued dedication to civic participation.”
Outcomes are anticipated later tonight or early Thursday.
