Aaron F. Parillon has gone ahead and erected a campaign billboard in Sea Cows Bay, even before the National Democratic Party (NDP) has ratified its candidates for the upcoming general elections. Photo: VINO

The newly appointed Leader of His Majesty’s Loyal Opposition and Chairman of the National Democratic Party (NDP), Honourable Marlon A. Penn, has announced that no candidates have yet been selected to run for the party in the upcoming elections. However, the party is actively working on ratifying candidates. Photo: Facebook

The National Democratic Party (NDP) is in the process of organising itself to contest the next general elections in the Virgin Islands. Photo: Facebook

Hon Penn's comments come even as his party member, Aaron F. Parillon, has erected a billboard in Sea Cows Bay announcing his candidacy in the Third District.

During the Talking Points programme on ZBVI 780 AM on May 4, 2026, Honourable Penn emphasised his commitment to an "open and transparent" candidate selection process, as the NDP organises itself to contest the next general elections in the Virgin Islands.

No 'hand-picking' candidates 

Hon Penn made it clear that he does not intend to hand-pick individuals to represent the party in various districts.

“The Party’s constitution clearly states that the district associations are the ones who would select from amongst the district, the candidate that they feel best fit to run for the organisation moving forward, and I intend to ensure that process is followed through.”

Candidates will be ratified by national executive

Honourable Penn stressed the importance of the District Associations in selecting their candidates, who will then be presented to the national executive for ratification.  

He also stated, however, that there is a strong pool of individuals across the territory who have expressed interest in running for office.

With Parillon proceeding with his campaign billboard before the ratification process, the question now arises whether individuals have gone rogue within the party.