Info
Boundary Delimitation
BD001
Delimitation of constituencies
Question: Are constituencies delimited for election purposes?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: 64.—(1) The elected members of the House of Assembly shall be persons qualified for election
in accordance with this Constitution and, subject to this Constitution, shall be elected in the
manner provided by or under any law for the time being in force in the Virgin Islands.
(2) Subject to section 63(2), for the purposes of elections the Virgin Islands—
(a) shall be a single electoral district and shall return four members to the House of
Assembly; and
(b) shall also be divided into nine electoral districts in such manner as may be provided by or
under any law for the time being in force in the Virgin Islands, and each such district
shall return one member to the House of Assembly.
Source: The Virgin Islands Constitution Order 2007, Article 64(2)
http://www.bvi.gov.vg/sites/default/files/constitution.pdf
Verified: 2019/02/08
BD003
Criteria for drawing boundaries
Question: On what criteria are the boundaries drawn?
Answer(s):
i . No information available
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2019/02/08
Electoral Systems
ES001
Head of State
Question: How is the Head of State selected?
Answer(s):
f . Inherited monarchy with a Governor appointed by the Monarch
Comments: 35.—(1) There shall be a Governor of the Virgin Islands who shall be appointed by Her Majesty
by Commission under Her Sign Manual and Signet and shall hold office during Her Majesty’s
pleasure.
46.—(1) The executive authority of the Virgin Islands shall be vested in Her Majesty.
Source: The Virgin Islands Constitution Order 2007, Article 35(1)
http://www.bvi.gov.vg/sites/default/files/constitution.pdf
The Virgin Islands Constitution Order 2007, Article 46(1)
http://www.bvi.gov.vg/sites/default/files/constitution.pdf
Verified: 2019/02/08
ES002
Head of Government
Question: How is the Head of Government selected?
Answer:
e . Appointed
Comments: 52.—(1) The Premier shall be appointed by the Governor as follows—
(a) if a political party gains a majority of the seats of elected members of the House of
Assembly the Governor shall appoint as Premier the elected member of the House
recommended by a majority of the elected members of the House who are members of
that party;
(b) if no political party gains such a majority or if no recommendation is made under
paragraph (a), the Governor, acting in his or her discretion, shall appoint as Premier the
elected member of the House of Assembly who, in his or her judgement, is best able to
command the support of a majority of the elected members of the House.
Source: The Virgin Islands Constitution Order 2007, Article 52(1)
http://www.bvi.gov.vg/sites/default/files/constitution.pdf
Verified: 2019/02/08
ES003
President
Question: Does the country have a president?
Answer:
b . No
Comments: The British Virgin Islands are a British Overseas Territory of the United Kingdom, which means that ultimate executive authority rests with the Queen who then appoints a Governor.
Source: The Virgin Islands Constitution Order 2007, Article 35(1)
http://www.bvi.gov.vg/sites/default/files/constitution.pdf
The Virgin Islands Constitution Order 2007, Article 46(1)
http://www.bvi.gov.vg/sites/default/files/constitution.pdf
Verified: 2019/02/08
ES004
Number of Chambers
Question: The national legislature consists of (one/two chambers):
Answer:
a . One chamber
Comments: 62. There shall be a Legislature of the Virgin Islands which shall consist of Her Majesty and a
House of Assembly.
63.—(1) The House of Assembly shall consist of a Speaker elected as provided in section 69,
thirteen elected members, and one non-voting ex officio member, namely the Attorney General.
Source: The Virgin Islands Constitution Order 2007, Article 62(1)
http://www.bvi.gov.vg/sites/default/files/constitution.pdf
The Virgin Islands Constitution Order 2007, Article 63(1)
http://www.bvi.gov.vg/sites/default/files/constitution.pdf
Verified: 2019/02/08
ES005
Electoral System (Chamber 1)
Question: What is the electoral system for Chamber 1 of the national legislature?
Answer(s):
a . Plurality (FPTP)
Comments: 62. There shall be a Legislature of the Virgin Islands which shall consist of Her Majesty and a
House of Assembly.
64.—(1) The elected members of the House of Assembly shall be persons qualified for election
in accordance with this Constitution and, subject to this Constitution, shall be elected in the
manner provided by or under any law for the time being in force in the Virgin Islands.
(2) Subject to section 63(2), for the purposes of elections the Virgin Islands—
Source: The Virgin Islands Constitution Order 2007, Article 62(1)
http://www.bvi.gov.vg/sites/default/files/constitution.pdf
The Virgin Islands Constitution Order 2007, Article 64
http://www.bvi.gov.vg/sites/default/files/constitution.pdf
Virgin Islands, British. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.idea.int/data-tools/country-view/301/44
Verified: 2019/02/15
Legislative Framework
LF001
Status of Electoral Law
Question: What is the status of the electoral law governing national elections?
Answer(s):
a . Part of Constitution b . Separate legislation
Comments: 86. A general election shall be held at such time within two months, but not earlier than twenty-one days, after every dissolution of the House of Assembly as the Governor shall appoint by
proclamation published in the Gazette.
Source: The Virgin Islands Constitution Order 2007, Article 86
http://www.bvi.gov.vg/sites/default/files/constitution.pdf
Elections (Amendment) Act, 2006.
http://www.caribbeanelections.com/eDocs/legislation/bv/bv_Elections_Amendment_Act_2006.pdf
Verified: 2019/02/15
LF003
Electoral Law covers
Question: The national electoral law covers:
Answer(s):
a . National elections
Comments:
Source: Elections (Amendment) Act, 2006.
http://www.caribbeanelections.com/eDocs/legislation/bv/bv_Elections_Amendment_Act_2006.pdf
Verified: 2019/02/15
LF004
Compulsory/voluntary voting
Question: Is voting on the national level voluntary or compulsory?
Answer(s):
a . Voting is voluntary
Comments:
Source: Voter Turnout By Election Type
Virgin Islands, British. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.idea.int/data-tools/country-view/301/40
Verified: 2019/02/15
LF007
Electoral Disputes Agency(ies)
Question: What are the agency(ies) responsible for the first level of formal electoral disputes?
Answer(s):
b . EMB
Comments: The Office of the Supervisor of Elections.
Source: Office of the Supervisor of Elections. (n.d.).
Retrieved from http://www.bvi.gov.vg/departments/office-supervisor-elections
Verified: 2019/02/15
Electoral Management
EM002
Responsibility of national EMB
Question: Does the national electoral body have the responsibility for elections at:
Answer(s):
a . National level
Comments:
Source: http://www.bvi.gov.vg/departments/office-supervisor-elections
Verified: 2019/02/21
EM004
EMB budget determined by
Question: The budget of the national electoral management body is determined by:
Answer(s):
h . No information available
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2019/02/21
EM005
EMB expenditures controlled by
Question: The expenditures of the national electoral management body are controlled by:
Answer(s):
e . Another organ within the national government
Comments: Expenditures of the national EMB are controlled by the Office of the Supervisor of Elections.
Source: Penn, J. (2015, February 3). Annual Report 2014 (Rep.)
http://www.bvi.gov.vg/sites/default/files/resources/2014_report.pdf
Verified: 2019/02/21
EM006
Term of EMB members
Question: The term of the members of the national electoral management body is:
Answer:
e . No information available
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2019/02/21
EM012
Electoral Management model
Question: What is the Electoral Management model?
Answer:
a . Governmental
Comments: The Office of the Supervisor of Elections is a member of the Governor's Group and a unit that functions under the umbrella of the Deputy Governor's Office.
Source: Office of the Supervisor of Elections. (n.d.).
Retrieved from http://www.bvi.gov.vg/departments/office-supervisor-elections
Verified: 2019/02/21
EM013
Number of EMB members
Question: The EMB is composed of:
Answer:
a . 1 - 10 members (specify)
Comments: There is one member of the EMB, the Supervisor of Elections
Source: Penn, J. (2015, February 3). Annual Report 2014 (Rep.)
http://www.bvi.gov.vg/sites/default/files/resources/2014_report.pdf
Verified: 2019/02/21
EM014
Membership based on
Question: The EMB members/commissioners are selected on the basis of their:
Answer:
e . No Information Available
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2019/02/21
EM015
Question: The EMB members/commissioners are selected by:
Answer(s):
b . Head of Government
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2019/02/21
Voter Education
VE001
Information campaigns performed by
Question: Who conducts information campaigns for national elections (informing where, when and how to register and/or vote)?
Answer(s):
a . National Electoral Management Body
Comments: The Office of the Supervisor of Elections is responsible for information campaigns for national elections.
Source: Election Center. Retrieved February 21, 2019, from http://www.bvi.gov.vg/elections
Verified: 2019/02/21
VE002
Frequency of voter education programs
Question: At the national level, how often are voter education programs conducted?
Answer:
d . No information available
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2009/08/14
VE003
National civic education
Question: Is there a national civic education campaign (rights and responsibilities of citizens)?
Answer(s):
m . No information available
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2019/02/21
Voter Registration
VR001
Voting age
Question: What is the legal voting age in the national elections?
Answer:
c . 18
Comments: 68.—(1) Subject to subsection (3), a person shall be qualified to be registered as a voter for the
purposes of elections if, and shall not be so qualified unless, he or she belongs to the Virgin
Islands and on the qualifying date has attained the age of eighteen years and he or she either—
Source: The Virgin Islands Constitution Order 2007, Article 68(1)
http://www.bvi.gov.vg/sites/default/files/constitution.pdf
Verified: 2019/02/21
VR002
Other voting requirements
Question: Beyond age, what other qualifications exist for registering to vote and voting in the national elections?
Answer(s):
a . Citizenship b . Period of Residence e . Other
Comments: Qualifications of voters
68.—(1) Subject to subsection (3), a person shall be qualified to be registered as a voter for the purposes of elections if, and shall not be so qualified unless, he or she belongs to the Virgin Islands and on the qualifying date has attained the age of eighteen years and he or she either—
(a) is domiciled and resident in the Virgin Islands on the qualifying date; or
(b) on that date is domiciled in the Virgin Islands and resident in the United States Virgin Islands.
Source: The Virgin Islands Constitution Order 2007, Article 68(1)
http://www.bvi.gov.vg/sites/default/files/constitution.pdf
Verified: 2019/02/21
VR004
Authority responsible for voter registration
Question: Which is the authority responsible for the registration of voters for national elections?
Answer:
d . Election Management Body (specify)
Comments: The Supervisor of Elections
Source: Voter Registration and Transfer. (n.d.).
Retrieved February 2, 2019, from http://www.bvi.gov.vg/services/voter-registration-and-transfer
Verified: 2019/02/21
VR008
Is it compulsory to be on the voters register?
Question: Is it compulsory to be on the voters register?
Answer:
b . No
Comments: Voter registration is not compulsory.
Source: Voter Registration and Transfer. (n.d.). Retrieved February 2, 2019, from http://www.bvi.gov.vg/services/voter-registration-and-transfer
Verified: 2019/02/21
Parties and Candidates
PC001
Registration requirements for parties (Chamber 1)
Question: What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):
a . Signature requirement (specify requirement) b . Deposit requirement (specify amount)
Comments: Signature Requirement
Every candidate for election shall be nominated on one nomination
paper by at least two registered voters of the electoral district for
which such candidate seeks election and his consent to nomination
shall be given on such nomination paper and attested by one witness;
and such candidate shall swear the affidavit in Form No. 13 that he
is, to the best of his knowledge, not disqualified under the provisions
of the Constitution from contesting and being elected as a member of
the Council.
Deposit Requirement
A candidate for election, or someone on his behalf, shall
deposit with the returning officer, on or before the day of his
nomination, the sum of five hundred dollars, and, if he fails to do so,
the nomination of such candidate shall be deemed to be withdrawn.
Source:
Verified: 2019/02/26
PC003
Registration requirements for candidates (Chamber 1)
Question: What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):
a . Age b . Citizenship c . Country of birth e . Citizenship of parents
Comments: 65.—(1) Subject to this section and section 66, a person shall be qualified to be elected as a
member of the House of Assembly if, and shall not be qualified to be so elected unless, he or
she—
(a) was so qualified immediately before the commencement of this Constitution; or
(b) is a person who—
(i) is a Virgin Islander of the age of twenty-one years or upwards; and
(ii) is otherwise qualified as a voter under section 68.
(2) Subject to subsections (3) and (4), for the purposes of subsection (1)(b)(i) a “Virgin
Islander” is a person who belongs to the Virgin Islands by birth or descent who was—
(a) born in the Virgin Islands of a father or mother who at the time of the birth was a British
overseas territories citizen (or a British Dependent Territories citizen) by virtue of birth in
the Virgin Islands or by virtue of descent from a father or mother who was born in the
Virgin Islands;
(b) born in the Virgin Islands of a father or mother who at the time of the birth belonged to
the Virgin Islands by birth or descent; or
(c) born outside the Virgin Islands of a father or mother who at the time of the birth belonged
to the Virgin Islands by birth or descent.
(3) A person born outside the Virgin Islands who belongs to the Virgin Islands by descent shall
not be qualified to be elected as a member of the House of Assembly unless one of his or her
grandparents belonged to the Virgin Islands by birth.
Source: The Virgin Islands Constitution Order 2007, Article 65
http://www.bvi.gov.vg/sites/default/files/constitution.pdf
Verified: 2019/02/21
PC008
Independent candidates
Question: Can independent candidates compete in presidential or legislative elections?
Answer(s):
f . No information available
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2019/02/21
PC012
Public funding of parties
Question: Do political parties receive direct/indirect public funding?
Answer(s):
e . No information available
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2019/02/21
PC015
Question: What is the basis of the public funding?
Answer(s):
f . No information available
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2019/02/21
PC017
Question: Are political parties entitled to private funding?
Answer:
c . No information available
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2019/02/21
Vote Counting
VC004
Votes are sorted/counted at
Question: Following the close of the voting, where are the votes first sorted and counted?
Answer:
e . No information available
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2019/03/05
VC011
When are ballots recounted?
Question: Under what conditions are ballots recounted?
Answer(s):
d . By request
Comments: (7) Immediately after the counting of the votes pursuant to this section
has terminated, a candidate or his counting agent present at the count
may, by completing Form No. 30, demand a recount and thereupon,
unless the returning officer considers the demand to be unreasonable
having regard to the result of the first count, he shall proceed to
recount the votes to ascertain the result of the poll.
Source: Candidates and Agents Handbook 2011, Article 52(7)
http://www.bvi.gov.vg/sites/default/files/resources/candidates_and_agents_handbook_2011.pdf
Verified: 2019/03/05
Media and Elections
ME037
Criteria for allocating free broadcast time
Question: What are the criteria for allocating free broadcast time and/or free printed advertisement space to political parties?
Answer(s):
h . No information available
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2019/03/05
ME059
Television debates
Question: Are televised debates between candidates or party representatives normally conducted?
Answer(s):
d . No information available
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2019/03/05
ME062
Blackout period for release of opinion poll results.
Question: What is the blackout period, if any, during which results of pre-election opinion polls may not be released to the public?
Answer:
g . No information available
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2019/03/05
ME080
Question: Is there a maximum amount that a political party is permitted to spend on paid advertising during a campaign period?
Answer:
c . No information available
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2019/03/05
Direct Democracy
DD002
Direct Democracy Provisions (National Level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Direct Democracy Procedures at the national level?
Answer:
c . No information available
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2019/03/05
DD003
Mandatory referendums (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Mandatory Referendums at the national level?
Answer:
c . No information available
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2019/03/05
DD004
Optional referendums (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Optional Referendums at the national level?
Answer:
c . No information available
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2019/03/05
DD005
Citizens' Initiatives (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Citizen’s Initiatives at national level?
Answer:
c . No information available
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2019/03/05
DD006
Agenda Initiatives (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Agenda Initiatives at national level?
Answer:
c . No information available
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2019/03/05
DD007
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Recalls at national level?
Answer:
c . No information available
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2019/03/05
DD129
Question: Are the results of referenda always binding, never binding or sometimes binding?
Answer:
d . No information available
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2019/03/05
DD130
Question: Are the types of issues to vote upon in a referendum constitutional changes only, other issues only or both constitutional and other issues?
Answer:
d . No information available
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2019/03/05
DD131
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Direct Democracy at sub-national levels (regional or local)?
Answer:
c . No information available
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2019/03/05
Voting Operations
VO003
Electors vote at
Question: Where can electors vote?
Answer(s):
a . At a specified polling station in the locality where they are registered at national elections
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2019/03/05
VO011
Voting method
Question: How do electors cast their votes?
Answer(s):
a . Manually marking of ballots d . Electronic voting machine
Comments: Section 36 of the principal Act is amended by deleting subsection
(2) and substituting with the following:
“(2) Where the
(a) manual voting system is utilised, the ballot of each
voter shall be a printed paper in Form No. 22 (in
this Act called “a ballot paper”) in which the names,
addresses, occupations and symbols of the
candidates, alphabetically arranged in the order of
their surnames and numbered accordingly shall be
printed exactly as they are set out in the nomination
paper. Each ballot paper shall have attached to it a
counterfoil with a number printed on the face of the
ballot paper and there shall be a line of perforations
between the ballot paper and the counterfoil; or
(b) electronic tabulating system is utilised, the ballot of
each voter shall be a printed paper in Form No. 22A
(in this Act called “a ballot paper”) in which the
names, addresses, occupations and symbols of the
candidates, alphabetically arranged in the order of
their surnames and numbered accordingly shall be
printed exactly as they are set out in the nomination
paper.”
Source: Elections (Amendment) Act, 2019, Article 36(2)
http://bvi.gov.vg/pub/Elections_(Amendment)_Act_2019.pdf
Verified: 2019/03/05
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