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Another snap election will disenfranchise many- Doug Wheatley

- questions Gov’t feet dragging on electoral reform
The public could be disenfranchised if another snap election is held due to the ruling National Democratic Party (NDP) Government failing to implement recommended electoral reforms. This is according to talk show host Doug Wheatley. Photo: VINO/File
The Commonwealth Election Observer Mission (EOM) submitted its final report on the June 8, 2015 snap elections in September 2015 but no known action has been taken to date. Photo: VINO/File
The Commonwealth Election Observer Mission (EOM) submitted its final report on the June 8, 2015 snap elections in September 2015 but no known action has been taken to date. Photo: VINO/File
Left: Office of the Elections Supervisor. Right: Talk show host Doug Wheatley. Photo: VINO/File
Left: Office of the Elections Supervisor. Right: Talk show host Doug Wheatley. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Respected talk show host of the Speak out BVI show on ZBVI 780 AM, Doug Wheatley has questioned the reason behind the feet dragging by the ruling National Democratic Party (NDP) Government on electoral reform.

Speaking on his show on September 13, 2016, Wheatley said there were certain issues such as voter’s registration cards, a more transparent campaign financing and the inclusion of the photos of the candidates in the last general election in 2015, which has not yet shown any sign of being addressed.

According to Wheatley, his remarks were triggered by the latest announcements made reminding persons who are eligible to vote, to register to do so.

“Our election last time was held in 2015 and there were a number of issues that were highlighted that we are not satisfied with regard to that election,” he said.

“This is 2016 and I am not aware of anything that the government is doing now to reform the electoral process and there were so many things that were highlighted. I can’t understand why the government is so slow in trying to have these reforms.”

He added that in the eventuality of a “snap election” right now, with these reforms not yet done, the people will be left “disenfranchised.”

Wheatley added that he will speak more broadly on the matter on another programme.

Electoral reforms proposed by EOM

The Commonwealth Election Observer Mission (EOM) that was here to observe the June 8, 2015 general election in the Virgin Islands submitted its final report on the elections in September 2015.

It recommended a number of electoral reforms including an independent elections commission, fixed election dates and political parties subscribing to a Code of Conduct.

Meanwhile, the Office of the Supervisor of Elections is notifying eligible persons that the deadline to register to vote is September 22, 2016 for inclusion on the 2016 Official Voters List.

To be qualified to register, a person must be a Belonger or a citizen, 18 years of age or older, and domiciled in the Virgin Islands. Documents to be presented when registering are a birth certificate, Virgin Islands Passport or a Belonger’s Card. A naturalisation certificate can also be used, provided the certificate is dated before June 15, 2007.

Additionally, persons who have changed districts and wish to transfer their voting registration to their new district, can apply for a transfer on or before September 22, 2016 for inclusion in the 2016 official voters list.

Supporting documentary evidence can be in the form of cable, water or electricity bills, a rent receipt or a notarised document stating the new address.

Transfer forms are available at the Office of the Supervisor of Elections, at Post Office locations throughout the territory, at the District Offices on Anegada and Virgin Gorda, and at the Government Office on Jost Van Dyke.

11 Responses to “Another snap election will disenfranchise many- Doug Wheatley”

  • wize up (14/09/2016, 08:27) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
    you wont get another snap election this time; that last election was a strategic move however I personally thing the upcoming election will go down to the wire; all of the promises which were made in 2015 have to be completed leading up 2019; if you look sharp this NDP term might go into extra innings(these guys might just return to office if some of us dont stop taking and start doing...there is room for another party but where will it come from!!!!)
    • Outspoke (14/09/2016, 09:03) Like (18) Dislike (2) Reply
      Wize up, I am in total agreement with you. The rate at which the NDP is going right not, they dear not call an early election, but nothing they do will ever surprise me. As a matter of fact, most of them has already surpassed the 6 year mark to secure their pension. This is something I do not fully understand, the ordinary man have to work at least 25 years to secure his pension while a politician just have to do 6, can anything be fair in these islands.
  • zoe (14/09/2016, 09:20) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    Thats the only way they could win
  • Bennie (14/09/2016, 10:42) Like (6) Dislike (2) Reply
    We are missing an opportunity to force our elected officials to draft and pass legislation outlawing snap elections period. We to advanced politically for that.
    • wize up (14/09/2016, 12:06) Like (14) Dislike (0) Reply
      @ Bennie....it's about time the all of us have the definite date for elections; no special group should have that privilege of keeping all of us in the dark then spring an election date on the people when they feel like.... We need a definite date for elections in this place
  • Grave (14/09/2016, 10:47) Like (15) Dislike (0) Reply
    If they call another snap election this will the end of them because BRITIAN will have to step in because they will take the dregs out of the treasury. To the VIP and all who plan to run in the next election get you all act together these rats and mice cannot be trusted any more. We cannot take no more of them even the donkeys that left in the BVI will be better than them. All they are doing is building themselves and their friends up and the rest is struggling to survive.
  • too much boball (14/09/2016, 11:13) Like (12) Dislike (0) Reply
    We need to replace the supervisor of elections
  • like a thief in the night (14/09/2016, 17:25) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    every other country in the caribbean know when it's election date is except us
  • NDP Dark Clouds (14/09/2016, 19:38) Like (8) Dislike (1) Reply
    @like a thief in the night. (IMO). That's possibly exactly who they appear to be. Thieves Behind Closed Doors. Who Knew!?
  • Socrates (15/09/2016, 04:51) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    Is a snap election possible? Yes. The Premier has the authority to call an election when he chooses, does he not? If a snap is called would the NDP be returned to power? Has the opposition recovered from the shellacking last election? Is the opposition prepared for another election snap or otherwise?

    Are election reforms needed? Should a date certain for election be set? Do snap elections put opposition party(s) at a disadvantage? Does the NDP have any interest in setting a date certain for election? Should not the electorate be exerting pressure on the NDP to implement the reasonable and needed reforms recommended by election observers?

    Has the NDP made serious missteps? Are they in a weakened position? Why is the opposition so disorganized? Should not the people that want to lead the territory be showing their leadership skills now? Is the opposition going to wait for the 11:30 hour to fling plans together? Are new parties needed to truly represent the people's interest? Is the electorate too docile in holding government accountable and responsible?

    Is the Guv on a tropical vacation and too hands off? Should the current dysfunctional power sharing be constitutionally change, i.e. Civil Service under government control? Can one manage what one does not control and control what one cannot measure? What is the electorate opinion on the Premier's leadership performance? Where does the electorate prefer to see the Premier, Medicine or Politics? What grade should be assigned to Civil Service morale? Is the morale low or high? If low how does it affect service delivery? Is there victimization in the Civil Service? Is Guy Hill being victimized?


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