Turks and Caicos Islands

Articles about voting issues in the Articles about voting issues in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Local and British politicians concerned about Turks and Caicos democracy | Caribbean News Now

Jul 262011

The timing of elections in the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) and the milestones that have to be met before such elections can be held has resulted in questions, opinions and concerns being aired by politicians on both sides of the Atlantic.

Direct rule was imposed on the TCI almost two years ago in August 2009. One year earlier, current Governor Gordon Wetherell arrived and began immediately to introduce restraints on the then elected government of the Progressive National Party (PNP). Read More »

Elections Next Year Doubtful | Turks and Caicos SUN Newspaper

Jul 212011

There appears to be great doubt about whether elections that will return the Turks and Caicos Islands to self-rule, will be held next year. While officials from the United Kingdom keep saying in broad and general terms that it is their intention to hold elections in 2012, they have so far refused to give a date and have been expressing concerns about the milestones that have to be met before voters go the poll.

It was widely expected that when Hon. Henry Bellingham, Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, visited the Turks and Caicos Islands on Thursday July 14, that he would made a major announcement such as releasing the date for elections. However, when pressed by The SUN to give a date, he refused. He said the Constitution has been passed, and that was a major milestone, but he is not prepared to say categorically that all of the work will be completed in time for elections. Read More »

Minister is ‘optimistic’ following Turks and Caicos constitutional reform talks | tcweekly

Jun 212011

Significant changes to the proposed constitution have been made and elections are on track for 2012. That’s the word from FCO Minister for Overseas Territories Henry Bellingham.

Thursday’s announcement came following two days of “very fruitful” talks on constitutional reform in London this week. A seven member TCI delegation visited the capital to persuade ministers to alter their stance on some of the draft document’s most contentious prescripts. And as a result details surrounding Belongership bestowal, the electoral system, and the Governor’s role were all changed for the final constitution package. Read More »

UK calls for $20m fiscal surplus before Turks and Caicos Islands elections | tcweeklynews.com

Jun 082011

TCI must be “well on course” to achieving a colossal $20m fiscal surplus by April 2013 in order for elections to take place. And that’s no mean feat with the current financial crisis equating to a staggering $12,000 debt for every man, woman and child living in the Islands.

Overturning the country’s pecuniary woes is one of the much touted “milestones” before a return to self-government. It is hoped that the string of recently announced taxes will prompt a sharp spike in revenue. But it presents Islanders with something of an economic ultimatum – pay up or stay under British rule.

A statement issued by Government on Wednesday reiterated London’s stance that the country must balance its books. Read More »

Constitution might change dual citizenship election rule for Turks and Caicos Islanders | fptci.com

May 312011

A little noticed change proposed for the 2006 Constitution would make Turks and Caicos Islanders holding dual citizenship eligible for election to the House of Assembly if they renounce their citizenship in another country before nomination.

Section 47(1) of the 2006 Constitution — which is currently suspended — states, “No person shall be qualified to be a member of the House of Assembly who is, by virtue of his or her own act, under any acknowledgement of allegiance, obedience or adherence to any foreign power or state.” Read More »

Editorial: ‘Don`t mess with TCI’s voting system’ | Turks and Caicos SUN Newspaper

May 252011

Many locals reject UK’s plan to move from the traditional first-past-the-post system. Residents of the Turks and Caicos Islands have made it abundantly clear to officials from Britain’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and by extension, the United Kingdom (UK) Government, that they have no appetite for any proposed changes to the current voting system that is being used to elect Members of Parliament (MPs) and governments.

This was one of the main points that emerged from the serious of consultative meetings which were held in the various islands by a team of high-level FCO experts over the past week. Read More »

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