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Election observers cite distrust in VI electoral system

-Says regulatory framework, particularly campaign financing lacks transparency
Following the February 25, 2019, General Elections in the Virgin Islands (VI) a new preliminary report from the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) British Islands and Mediterranean Region (BIMR) Election Observation Mission entitled ‘Virgin Islands General Election 2019’ is citing some amount of distrust in the VI electoral system, particularly in the regulatory framework. Photo: Internet Source
Mission Observer Member, Matthew Salik of the United Kingdom. Photo: VINO
Mission Observer Member, Matthew Salik of the United Kingdom. Photo: VINO
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI - Following the February 25, 2019, General Elections in the Virgin Islands (VI) a new preliminary report from the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) British Islands and Mediterranean Region (BIMR) Election Observation Mission entitled ‘Virgin Islands General Election 2019’ is citing some amount of distrust in the VI electoral system, particularly in the regulatory framework.

In an opening statement from Hon Palmavon Webster MHA, Head of the Mission, the report notes, “The Virgin Islands 2019 election was vibrant and competitive, and the results reflected the will of the voters. The Election Observation Mission commends the Virgin Islands for taking positive steps to improve voting processes and to encourage a more positive campaign environment.”

Hon Palmavon further said, “Special commendation should go to the election officials who, in a short period of time, administered the election effectively.”

Distrust

The mission, however, notes some amount of issues with the system, “There is distrust in the electoral system, and the Mission continues to express concern that the regulatory framework, particularly in relation to campaign financing, lacks transparency and undermines the equality and openness of the election process.”

They further expressed “concerns about the qualification to vote and stand as a candidate and verification practices which challenge the principle of universal suffrage.”

According to the report, the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association British Islands and Mediterranean Region (CPA BIMR) Election Observation Mission (EOM) has been present in the Virgin Islands since February 15, 2019.

Organisation and planning for the EOM commenced in mid-January following an official invitation from the Governor of the Virgin Islands H.E. Augustus J.U. Jaspert with the support of the then National Democratic Party (NDP) Government and Virgin Islands Party (VIP) Opposition.

9 Responses to “Election observers cite distrust in VI electoral system ”

  • Agreed! (27/02/2019, 13:21) Like (16) Dislike (3) Reply
    Congrats on a fair , efficient and open election as stated. I work in the Trust Industry which is required to know the source of all funds for all BVI companies or face large fines. Yet our government could be receiving campaign funds from the Mexican cartel for all we know!! On the other hand will the plane tickets, fridges and white envelopes be disclosed even with a law in place :-)
  • ee (27/02/2019, 13:35) Like (35) Dislike (0) Reply
    Can somebody please tell me why we knew the results of the advanced polling in district 8 before due process date? The rumour of the results turned out to be true. Who should be held responsible for this leak?
    • ee (27/02/2019, 19:25) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      You should hold the appointment Election workers responsible, mainly the presiding and the returning officers. If they understood their duties fully, they would have been able to avoid the occurrence of those results being known by anyone including themselves.
    • Just Me (28/02/2019, 01:16) Like (0) Dislike (3) Reply
      Everyone knew the result before the day of the election. Marlon Penn was bound to win. We all knew it. Anyway he deserves the win. BAM
  • agreed (27/02/2019, 13:49) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    What means you qualified to be a contender in the elections? What makes you qualified to be a voter?
  • Lb (27/02/2019, 14:10) Like (6) Dislike (7) Reply
    Bleh. Much to do with nothing! UK trying to reach in again
  • Observer Too (28/02/2019, 10:00) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    The distrust that I saw was that although the NDP had not performed accountably and transparently during the first 4 of their last 8 years, they were somehow returned to power for the second 4-year term. The voters got sick and disillusioned over the acts of the majority - like when you eat too much and get sick as a result! So, the voters who did not turn out to vote are a symptom of what was before. Now, the majority of the bold souls came out and made the change and it is good for all of us. Forward on - One Direction: Forward Together with the VIP for the BVI!
  • Socrates (01/03/2019, 02:24) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    Are the Election Observers here to monitor the Election or stick their nose in local politics? Was this group invited to reinforced a sinister plan of action? Is this a Trojan Horses to recolonizing the OTs?
  • Pay attention (02/03/2019, 05:19) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    What the hell distrust they talking about? We been having elections for years without any incidents. As polarised as we were going into this election it took place without incident. We voted, accepted the results, celebrated and now ready to support our new government. These people need to mind their f...king business. Since when do we need any observers to approve our elections anyway?


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