A constitution provides a framework for how a country or organization operates and help protect
the rights and freedom of its citizens. It can be a written document, like the constitution of the
US or an unwritten one like the constitution of the UK. Constitutions are important in maintaining
stability, ensuring justice, and safeguarding the rules of law in a society.
Preamble of the BVI Constitution (Purpose)
We the people of the Virgin Islands recognize the need to respect the rule of law, to support
democracy, to upheld the principles of good governance and to ensure social and economic
justice for all our people, to establish and give ourselves this constitution.
The judicial role protects the constitution and the rights of citizens, and limits the power of the
government.
Suspension of rights and freedom
State of emergency
● The government suspends the constitution temporarily.
● This limits people’s rights and freedom.
● The government may be in need of extra power to deal with an unusually difficult or
dangerous situation affecting the country.
The Electoral Process
The electoral processes in the Commonwealth Caribbean generally follow democratic
principles, with variations in specific procedures and institutions from one country to another.
The Government is chosen by the citizens in a general election that should be fair and free.
Electoral processes in the Commonwealth Caribbean:
1. Voter Registration:
The process begins with voter registration. Citizens who meet the age and residency
requirements are eligible to register as voters. Registration is usually done through a
government agency responsible for elections.
2. Constituencies/ Districts:
Most Commonwealth Caribbean countries are divided into constituencies or electoral districts.
Each constituency elects one or more representatives to the national legislature.
3. Election Commission:
An independent election commission is responsible for overseeing and organizing the electoral
process. The commission ensures fair and transparent elections.
4. Political Parties and Candidates:
Political parties play a significant role in the electoral process. They nominate candidates to
contest elections in various constituencies. Independent candidates can also run for office.
5. Campaigning:
Campaigning involves political parties and candidates presenting their platforms to the
electorate. This includes organizing rallies, debates, and using various media channels for
advertising.
6. Voting:
Election day is a public holiday in most countries. Registered voters cast their ballots in
designated polling stations. Voting is generally done by secret ballot. Voters choose their
preferred candidate or party.
7. Counting and Tallying:
After voting, the ballots are counted in a transparent and monitored process. The results from
each constituency are tallied to determine the winners.
8. Electoral Systems:
Commonwealth Caribbean countries may use various electoral systems, including
First-Past-the-Post, Proportional Representation, or a combination of both. The choice of
system often depends on the country's historical and political context.
9. Electoral Observers:
International and domestic observers are often invited to ensure the fairness and transparency
of the electoral process. They monitor various aspects, including voter registration,
campaigning, and the counting of votes.
10. Results and Post-Election Period:
The election results determine the composition of the legislative body. The party or coalition that
secures the majority of seats forms the government. The leader of this party becomes the Prime
Minister or equivalent. The opposition parties form the opposition.
11. Electoral Reforms and Challenges:
Electoral systems and laws can change over time. Electoral reforms may be introduced to
address any perceived shortcomings. Common challenges include voter fraud, voter apathy,
and disputes over election results.
12. Election Appeals:
Most countries have a mechanism for candidates and parties to challenge the election results
through the judicial system. This process ensures that disputes are resolved impartially.
13. Term Limits and Regular Elections:
Commonwealth Caribbean countries typically have fixed terms for their legislatures and regular
elections. These terms can vary by country.
Electoral System in the Caribbean
First-Past-the-Post
1. In this system, a country is divided into constituencies/districts.
2. Each political party will nominate a candidate for election in each constituency.
3. The candidate gaining the most votes in a constituency will win the election in that
constituency and become the constituency’s representative in the lower house in the
parliament.
4. The candidate is therefore said to have won a seat in parliament. This is used in all
Commonwealth Caribbean except Guyana.
Proportional Representation
1. In this system, the whole country is treated as a single constituency.
2. Political parties prepare a list of candidates based on the number of seats in parliament.
3. The list is put in order of preference by the party leader and made public. People vote for
a party and not a candidate.
4. Each party is awarded seats based on the proportion of votes it gains in the election. A
party winning 20% of the votes is awarded 20% of the seats, which will go to the first
20% of names on the list.
NB - An electoral department is responsible for deciding the elections.
- Less than three weeks to call an election.
