Governor of Anguilla Christina Scott has announced April 22, 2015 as elections day. Persons have been asking whether Governor of the Virgin Islands John S. Duncan OBE will take similar action in dissolving the House of Assembly and calling elections as a consequence of ongoing questions regarding the cruise pier project and other concerns over spending. Photo: theanguillan.com/VINO

As provided for by section 64 of the Constitution of Anguilla, the Governor has today issued a Proclamation ordering a general election to take place on Wednesday 22 April 2015. Photo: Team of Reporters

In accordance with sections 28(1) and (2) of the Elections Act, the Governor has also issued a Writ of Election to each of the Returning Officers in Anguilla’s seven electoral districts. Photo: Team of Reporters

“As provided for by section 64 of the Constitution of Anguilla, the Governor has today issued a Proclamation ordering a general election to take place on Wednesday 22 April 2015,” said a press release from the Office of the Governor.

It said too that in accordance with sections 28(1) and (2) of the Elections Act, the Governor has also issued a Writ of Election to each of the Returning Officers in Anguilla’s seven electoral districts.

“These declare that the deadline for the nomination of candidates will be Thursday 9 April, and that polling on 22 April, 2015 will take place between the hours of 06:00 and 19:00,” said the release.

According to the release, the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, who - at the invitation of the Governor and with the agreement of both the Chief Minister and Leader of the Opposition - will be conducting an Election Observer Mission, have also now been notified of the election date.

It said that detailed planning continues to ensure that Anguilla’s elections are free, fair and efficiently run. Weekly training sessions in preparation for Polling Day continue under the leadership of the Supervisor of Elections, Ms Aurjul Wilson,” the release concluded.

Following the February 25, 2015 dissolution of Anguilla’s House of Assembly, persons have been asking whether the Virgin Islands’ House of Assembly could not be similarly dissolved by the Governor of the Virgin Islands His Excellency John S. Duncan OBE given the continuing controversy over corruption, questions that surround the cruise pier project and other issues.

It was asked whether Governor Duncan may find it wise to dissolve the Virgin Islands House of Assembly in preparation for early elections in light of the spending of the National Democratic Party (NDP) Government and the ongoing issues of corruption.

Further, persons have suggested that as has been done in Anguilla, it may be instructive for Governor Duncan to ensure that spending is postponed until after the elections except in cases where such postponement would be detrimental to the national interest.

See our previous article here:

http://www.virginislandsnewsonline.com/en/news/anguilla-governor-dissolves-hoa-elections-by-april-24