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Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Boundary Delimitation
- Direct Democracy
- Electoral Management
- Electoral Systems
- Legislative Framework
- Media and Elections
- Parties and Candidates
- Vote Counting
- Voter Education
- Voting Operations
- Voter Registration
Boundary Delimitation
BD01 Are constituencies delimited for election purposes?
a. Yes
Comments: For the purpose of the election of Representatives, Saint Vicente is divided into constituencies having such boundaries as may be prescribed by order of the Constituency Boundaries Commission.
Source: C: 33.
Last updated: Fri, 13 Dec 2002 12:25:57 GMT
BD02 The authority responsible for final approval of the constituency boundaries is:
b. The Boundaries Commission
Source: C: 33 (7).
Last updated: Fri, 18 Oct 2002 17:04:14 GMT
BD03 On what criteria are the boundaries drawn?
a. "Equality" of population
Comments: All constituencies should contain as nearly equal numbers of inhabitants as appears to the Constituency Boundaries Commission to be reasonably practicable, but the Commission may depart from this principle to such extent as it considers expedient in order to take account of the following factors: a. the density of population and in particular the need to ensure adequate representation of adequate representation of sparsely populated rural areas; b. the means of communication; c. geographical features; and d. the boundaries of existing administrative areas.
Source: C: 32(2).
Last updated: Fri, 13 Dec 2002 12:26:36 GMT
BD04 If population is a criterion, which population figure is used?
a. Total population
Comments: According to the results of the latest census of population.
Source: C: 33 (8).
Last updated: Fri, 18 Oct 2002 17:00:43 GMT
BD05 The body responsible for drawing the boundaries is:
c. Boundary Commission
Comments: The Boundaries Commission is composed of three members, all appointed by the Governor General: the chairman appointed on his own deliberate judgement: one member acting in accordance with the advice of the Prime Minister, and one member acting in accordance with the advice of the leader of the opposition.
Source: C: 32.
Last updated: Fri, 13 Dec 2002 12:27:57 GMT
BD06 What statistical or other reasons trigger the redrawing of electoral constituency boundaries?
l. Other
Comments: The Commission of Boundaries is appointed in the following circumstances: whenever a census of the population of Saint Vincent has been held; whenever Parliament has amended the constitution to alter the number of the constituencies into which Saint Vincent is divided; on the expiry of eight years after the Commission last reviewed the boundaries of the constituencies. Whenever the Commission has been appointed, within the period of two years commencing with its appointment, it should carry out a review of the boundaries.
Source: C: 33 (3).
Last updated: Fri, 18 Oct 2002 17:02:24 GMT
Direct Democracy
Electoral Management
EM01 Please provide the following contact information for the national electoral management body:
a. Name of Institution Electoral Office
b. Full Address Kingstown, St. Vincent & the Grenadines
c. Telephone (784) 457 1762/1502
d. Facsimile 784) 457 6488
e. Email srgelec(a)vincysurf.com
g. Name and Title of Chairperson/President Selwyn Jones, Supervisor of Elections
i. Official language of the electoral law governing national elections English
Last updated: Fri, 13 Dec 2002 12:17:34 GMT
EM02 Does this national electoral body have the responsibility for elections at:
a. National level
Comments: The Supervisor of Elections is responsible to exercise the general supervision over the registration of voters in elections of Representatives and over the conduct of such elections. The Supervisor of elections is appointed by the Public Service Commission in consultation with the Prime Minister.
Source: C: 34. RPA: 25.
Last updated: 2008-01-21 13:50:51 UTC
EM03 The national electoral management body reports to:
f. Other
Comments: The Public Service Commission.
Source: C: 34
Last updated: Wed, 16 Oct 2002 18:47:02 GMT
EM04 The budget of the national electoral management body is determined by:
d. A national government department
Comments: Ministry of Finance allocates funds for the Elections Office.
Source: Elections Office.
Last updated: Fri, 13 Dec 2002 12:19:04 GMT
EM05 The expenditures of the national electoral management body are controlled by:
g. Other
Comments: Supervisor of Elections.
Source: Elections Office.
Last updated: Wed, 16 Oct 2002 18:49:59 GMT
EM06 The term of the members of the national electoral management body is:
c. For an unspecified period
Source: C. 34. RPA: 25.
Last updated: 2008-01-21 13:50:51 UTC
EM07 The national electoral management body chairperson, or equivalent, is chosen in the following way:
e. Governmental appointment
Comments: The Supervisor of Elections is appointed by the Public Service Commission in consultation with the Prime Minister.
Source: C: 34.
Last updated: Fri, 13 Dec 2002 12:19:50 GMT
EM08 According to official sources, what was the estimated overall cost (in US dollars if available) of the most recent national elections?
a. estimated total: non available
Last updated: 2008-01-21 13:50:51 UTC
EM09 What was the total number of registered voters or, where there was no voter roll, the estimated number of eligible voters?
a. Total number: 84, 536 registered voters
Source: Elections Office.
Last updated: 2008-01-21 13:50:51 UTC
Electoral Systems
ES01 How is the Head of State selected?
f. A Governor General appointed by the Monarch
Comments: The Governor-General of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is appointed by Her Majesty and hold office during Her Majesty's pleasure.
Source: C: 19.
Last updated: Fri, 11 Oct 2002 16:09:08 GMT
ES02 How is the Head of Government selected?
f. Other
Comments: According to the Constitution, the executive authority of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is vested on Her Majesty, but it may be exercised on behalf of Her Majesty by the Governor-General either directly or through officers subordinated to him (including the Prime Minister that is appointed by the Governor General, selecting for that purpose a member of the House of Representative who appears to him likely to command the support of the majority).
Source: C: 50 and 51.
Last updated: Fri, 13 Dec 2002 11:46:30 GMT
ES03 Does the country have a president?
b. No
Comments: The executive authority is vested on Her Majesty. According to the law, the Governor General can exercise the executive authority on behalf of Her Majesty.
Source: C: 50.
Last updated: Fri, 13 Dec 2002 11:47:09 GMT
ES04 The national legislature consists of (one/two chambers):
a. One chamber
Comments: The House of Assembly consists of 21 members. They belong to the 13 constituencies in which Saint Vincent is divided. However, the Boundary Election Commission may divide the territory taking into account others factors such as the density of population, means of communications, and geographical features among others. Nowadays there are 15 representatives; and six senators appointed by the Governor General (four on the advice of Prime Minister; and two on the advice of the the Leader of the opposition).
Source: C: 24.
Last updated: Fri, 13 Dec 2002 11:52:24 GMT
ES05 What is the electoral system for Chamber 1 of the national legislature?
a. Plurality (FPTP)
Comments: The House of Assembly is composed by representatives directly elected by the FPTP system in single member constituencies (15 nowadays) and six senators (four appointed by the Governor-General, in accordance with the advice of the Prime Minister; and two appointed by the Governor-General in accordance with the advice of the leader of the opposition). Besides, according to the Constitution, if a person who is not a member of the House is elected to be the Speaker he shall, by virtue of holding that office, be a member of the House, and at any time when the office of Attorney-General is a public office, the Attorney-General shall, by virtue of holding or acting in that office, be a member of the House.
Source: C: 23 and 24.
Last updated: Fri, 13 Dec 2002 11:56:31 GMT
ES06 What is the electoral system for Chamber 2 of the national legislature?
k. The national legislature consists of one chamber only
Comments: The Congress is unicameral. Even though there exists the figure of senators, they form part of the House of Assembly.
Source: C: 24.
Last updated: Fri, 13 Dec 2002 11:58:44 GMT
ES07 If List PR is used, is a highest average formula used?
h. Not applicable
Last updated: Tue, 15 Oct 2002 18:40:58 GMT
ES08 What is the level at which seats are distributed in Chamber 1?
b. Specially delimited constituencies
Comments: For the elections of most of the members of the House of Assembly, the country is divided in single members constituencies.
Source: C: 24 and 33.
Last updated: Wed, 16 Oct 2002 17:39:21 GMT
ES09 What is the level at which seats are distributed in Chamber 2?
d. Not applicable
Comments: The Congress is unicameral.
Source: C: 24.
Last updated: Fri, 13 Dec 2002 11:57:24 GMT
ES10 Are special constituencies or seats reserved in Chamber 1 for specific groups, such as minorities, specific nationality or other groups?
b. No
Last updated: Wed, 16 Oct 2002 17:43:52 GMT
ES11 If special constituencies or seats are reserved in Chamber 1, specify which interest groups, and the proportion of total seats reserved for:
e. Not applicable *
Last updated: Wed, 16 Oct 2002 17:52:24 GMT
ES12 Are special constituencies or seats reserved in Chamber 2 for specific groups, such as minorities, specific nationality or other groups?
c. The national legislature consists of one chamber only
Source: C: 24.
Last updated: Fri, 13 Dec 2002 11:59:16 GMT
ES13 If special constituencies or seats are reserved in Chamber 2, specify which interest groups, and the proportion of total seats reserved:
e. Not applicable X
Comments: The national legislature is unicameral.
Source: C: 24.
Last updated: Fri, 13 Dec 2002 12:00:14 GMT
ES14 What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a party to win seats in Chamber 1?
a. No minimum
Comments: The representatives are elected in single member constituencies.
Source: C: 24 and 33.
Last updated: Fri, 13 Dec 2002 12:01:01 GMT
ES15 What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a party to win seats in Chamber 2?
c. Not applicable
Comments: The national legislature is unicameral.
Source: C: 24.
Last updated: Fri, 13 Dec 2002 12:01:41 GMT
ES16 What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a candidate (independent/party) to win a seat in Chamber 1?
c. Not applicable
Last updated: Wed, 16 Oct 2002 17:59:27 GMT
ES17 What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a candidate (independent/party) to win a seat in Chamber 2?
c. Not applicable
Last updated: Wed, 16 Oct 2002 17:59:54 GMT
ES18 Regarding the timing of the elections for Chamber 1, which of the following is true? Elections take place:
a. At fixed intervals (specify length)
Comments: The Governor-General may at any time prorogue or dissolve Parliament. Unless sooner dissolved, Parliament continue for five years from the date of the first sitting of the House after any dissolution. Elections should be called by the Governor General.
Source: C: 48 and 49.
Last updated: Fri, 13 Dec 2002 12:06:39 GMT
ES19 Regarding the timing of the elections for Chamber 2, which of the following is true? Elections take place:
e. Not applicable
Comments: The national legislature is unicameral.
Source: C: 24.
Last updated: Fri, 13 Dec 2002 12:07:36 GMT
Legislative Framework
LF01 What is the status of the electoral law governing national elections?
b. Separate legislation
Comments: Some basic provisions about the electoral regime are embodied in the Constitution, but a separate and specific legislation details aspects related to the preparation, organization and running of elections. (The Representation of the People Act, cited for the purposes of this document as RPA).
Last updated: Wed, 16 Oct 2002 18:14:16 GMT
LF02 What is the date of the latest version of the national electoral law (including latest amendments)?
c. January 1980- December1989
Comments: The current legislation for elections of the House of Assembly (The Representation of the People Act), was enacted in December 1982.
Last updated: Wed, 16 Oct 2002 18:15:06 GMT
LF03 The national electoral law covers:
a. National elections
Comments: The Representation of the People Act regulates only the elections for the House of Assembly. No other type of elections (regional or local) are held in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
Last updated: Fri, 13 Dec 2002 12:14:09 GMT
LF04 Is voting on the national level voluntary or compulsory?
a. Voting is voluntary
Comments: http://www.ipu.org/parline-e/reports/2271_B.htm, August 13th 2002.
Last updated: Wed, 16 Oct 2002 18:20:06 GMT
LF05 Are there provisions in the law which permit or require regional and/ or local election (s) to be held on the same day as national elections?
a. National elections are not held on the same day as regional or local elections
Comments: There are no regional or local elections.
Last updated: Wed, 16 Oct 2002 18:21:20 GMT
LF06 Are there provisions in the law which permit or require presidential election (s) to be held on the same day as national legislative elections?
c. Not applicable
Last updated: Wed, 16 Oct 2002 18:21:45 GMT
LF07 What are the agency(ies) responsible for first level of formal electoral disputes?
a. Judiciary
Comments: Any petition complaining of an undue return or undue election of a member of the House of Assembly should be submitted to the Supreme Court.
Source: RPA: 57.
Last updated: Wed, 16 Oct 2002 18:22:50 GMT
LF08 If the agency(ies) which settles formal disputes is/are specially appointed/elected; by whom?
h. Not applicable
Comments: The judiciary is the agency which settles formal disputes.
Source: RPA: 57.
Last updated: Fri, 13 Dec 2002 12:15:10 GMT
LF09 Who has the right to submit cases to the person or agency(ies)which settles formal disputes?
a. Candidates
c. Voters
Comments: The following individuals have the right to submit election petitions to the Court: the person who voted or had a right to vote at the election to which the petition relates; the person claiming to have had a right to be returned at the election; the person alleging himself to have been a candidate at the election.
Source: RPA: 57.
Last updated: Fri, 13 Dec 2002 12:16:09 GMT
Media and Elections
ME01 Please provide information about the person completing the questionnaire.
Last updated: 2007-01-17 09:20:16 UTC
ME11 What laws, if any, guarantee freedom of access to public information for representatives of the media?
Last updated: 2007-01-17 09:20:16 UTC
ME13 What are the laws, if any, which govern the operations of the public broadcaster?
Specify the date of the latest version (including latest amendments)
Last updated: 2007-01-17 09:20:16 UTC
ME18 What are the laws, if any, that provide for the safeguards for editorial autonomy in relation to the public broadcaster(s)?
Last updated: 2007-01-17 09:20:16 UTC
ME19 What are the laws, if any, which govern the granting of broadcasting licenses/frequencies to private broadcasters?
Last updated: 2007-01-17 09:20:16 UTC
ME22 What are the legal conditions, if any, under which the activities of a media outlet may be suspended?
Last updated: 2007-01-17 09:20:16 UTC
ME37 What are the criteria for allocating free broadcast time and/or free printed advertisement space to political parties?
h. Not applicable
Comments: There is no allocation of free broadcast time or free printed advertisement space to political parties.
Source: International IDEA (2003) "Funding of Political Parties and Election Campaigns"
Last updated: 2007-01-17 09:20:16 UTC
ME38 What, if any, is the maximum amount that a political party is permitted to spend on paid advertising during a campaign period?
Last updated: 2007-01-17 09:20:16 UTC
ME55 What, if any, is the maximum amount that a presidential candidate is permitted to spend on paid advertising?
Last updated: 2007-01-17 09:20:16 UTC
ME56 What are the laws, if any, which govern the disclosure of campaign advertising expenditures by political parties and candidates?
Last updated: 2007-01-17 09:20:16 UTC
ME57 What, if any, is the maximum amount that a media outlet can charge parties/candidates for advertising during the campaign?
Last updated: 2007-01-17 09:20:16 UTC
ME58 How does this maximum amount (identified in question C.15.1) affect the political participation of smaller or newly formed parties?
Last updated: 2007-01-17 09:20:16 UTC
Parties and Candidates
PC01 What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 1)?
g. Not applicable
Comments: There are no provisions in the law regarding the necessity of political parties to register in order to nominate candidates and compete in parliamentary elections.
Source: House of Assembly Election Rules (HAER): 4.
Last updated: Fri, 13 Dec 2002 12:34:30 GMT
PC02 What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 2)?
g. Not applicable
Comments: The national legislature is unicameral.
Source: C: 24.
Last updated: Fri, 13 Dec 2002 12:35:20 GMT
PC03 What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
a. Age
b. Citizenship
d. Residence
j. Other
Comments: a. 21 years old. The qualifications for representatives are: to be a Commonwealth citizen of the age of twenty one or upwards; b. have resided in Saint Vincent for a period of twelve months immediately prior to the date of his nomination for the election or is domiciled and resident in Saint Vincent at that date; j. and to be able to speak and, unless incapacitated by blindness or the physical cause, to read the English language with a degree of proficiency sufficient to enable him to take an active part in the proceedings of the House. The qualifications to be appointed as senators are the same that for representatives.
Source: C: 25.
Last updated: 2006-11-15 14:40:34 UTC
PC04 What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 2)?
k. Not applicable
Comments: The national legislature is unicameral.
Source: C: 24.
Last updated: Fri, 13 Dec 2002 12:37:57 GMT
PC05 What are the legal qualifications for becoming a candidate at presidential elections?
k. Not applicable
Comments: There are no presidential elections in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
Source: C: 50.
Last updated: Fri, 13 Dec 2002 12:38:52 GMT
PC06 What can disqualify a candidate at legislative elections?
a. Current criminal incarceration
f. Holding of military office
g. Holding of government office
h. Bankruptcy or Insolvency
k. Mental health problems
o. Other
Comments: A person does not qualify to be a Representative or Senator if he is under any acknowledgment of allegiance, obedience or adherence to a foreign power or state; if he is a minister of religion; holds or is acting in the office of judge of the Supreme Court; holds or is acting in any public office or is a paid member of any defense force of Saint Vincent; is bankrupt; is a person certified to be insane or otherwise adjudged to be of unsound mind under any law; is under sentence of death imposed on him by a court of law in any part of the Commonwealth or is serving a sentence of imprisonment exceeding twelve months imposed on him by such a court or substituted by competent authority for some other sentence imposed on him by such a court, or is under such a sentence of imprisonment the execution of which has been suspended; he has certain government contractors and if he is a Senator not be qualified to be appointed as a Senator and vice versa. Ministers of religion may at the same time be Senators but not Representatives.
Source: C: 26.
Last updated: Fri, 13 Dec 2002 12:40:05 GMT
PC07 What can disqualify a candidate at presidential elections?
o. Not applicable
Comments: There are no presidential elections in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
Source: C: 50.
Last updated: Fri, 13 Dec 2002 12:41:53 GMT
PC08 Can independent candidates compete in presidential or legislative elections?
c. In legislative elections (Chamber 1)
Source: HAER: 4
Last updated: Thu, 24 Oct 2002 19:42:28 GMT
PC09 If independent candidates can compete in legislative elections (Chamber 1), what are the registration requirements?
a. Signature requirement (specify)
b. Deposit requirement (specify)
Comments: Every candidate for election must be nominated in writing by not less than six registered voters of the constituency for which he seeks to be elected; must consent in writing to the nomination. The nomination paper must contain the full names, place of residence, occupation and description of the candidate. Every candidate at the time of his nomination deposit with the returning officer five hundred caribbean dollars in cash (US$184) which will be reimbursed if candidate obtains at least 1/8 of the votes cast.
Source: HAER. 4, 7
Last updated: Thu, 24 Oct 2002 19:44:22 GMT
PC10 If independent candidates can compete in legislative elections (Chamber 2), what are the registration requirements?
e. Not applicable
Last updated: Thu, 24 Oct 2002 19:45:02 GMT
PC11 If independent candidates can compete in presidential elections, what are the registration requirements?
e. Not Applicable
Last updated: Thu, 24 Oct 2002 19:45:52 GMT
PC12 Do political parties receive direct/indirect public funding?
a. No
Comments: There is no provision in the law regarding public financing to political parties.
Source: International IDEA (2003) "Funding of Political Parties and Election Campaigns"
Last updated: 2006-11-15 14:40:34 UTC
PC13 If political parties receive direct/indirect public funding, when do they receive this?
d. Not Applicable
Comments: There is no provision in the law regarding public financing to political parties.
Last updated: Fri, 13 Dec 2002 12:43:44 GMT
PC14 If political parties receive indirect public funding, identify the type of funding:
e. Not Applicable
Last updated: Thu, 24 Oct 2002 19:48:04 GMT
PC15 What is the basis of the public funding?
f. Not applicable
Comments: There is no public funding of political parties.
Source: International IDEA (2003) "Funding of Political Parties and Election Campaigns"
Last updated: 2006-11-15 14:40:34 UTC
PC16 If political parties receive public funding, what is the specified purpose?
e. Not Applicable
Last updated: Thu, 24 Oct 2002 19:49:12 GMT
PC17 Are political parties entitled to private funding?
a. Yes
Comments: The electoral legislation does not contain any explicit ban on private funding.
Source: Electoral Office.
Last updated: Thu, 24 Oct 2002 19:50:08 GMT
PC18 If political parties are entitled to private funding, for what period?
c. As related to the election period and between elections
Source: Electoral Office.
Last updated: Thu, 24 Oct 2002 19:50:48 GMT
PC19 Which of the following party financing provisions are applicable?
j. Not applicable
Comments: No provisions in law that regulate or control the parties funding.
Source: Electoral Office.
Last updated: Thu, 24 Oct 2002 19:52:03 GMT
Vote Counting
VC01 What are the characteristics of ballots used at national legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
a. Single ballot (all registered parties listed)
d. Categorical (only one mark allowed)
f. Same ballot papers used nationwide
m. Organized alphabetically
o. Ballots signed or otherwise authenticated by polling station official
Comments: Ballots contain the names addresses and occupation of the candidates alphabetically arranged in the order of their surnames. Opposite to the name of each candidature there is a prescribed symbol. The ballot papers have a space on the face of the ballot for the initials of the presiding officer and have attached a counterfoil, a stub and a line of perforations between the ballot and the counterfoil and between the counterfoil and the stub. Every ballot paper is marked with an official mark, which can be either stamped or perforated. This official mark is kept in secret an interval of not less than seven years shall intervene between the use of the same official mark at elections in the same polling division.
Source: HAER: 15 and 16.
Last updated: Thu, 24 Oct 2002 20:12:14 GMT
VC02 What are the characteristics of ballots used at national legislative elections (Chamber 2)?
s. Not applicable
Last updated: Thu, 24 Oct 2002 20:12:48 GMT
VC03 What are the characteristics of ballots used at presidential elections?
s. Not Applicable
Last updated: Thu, 24 Oct 2002 20:13:26 GMT
VC04 Following the close of the voting, where are the votes first sorted and counted?
a. At the polling stations
Comments: Forthwith upon the close of the poll, in the presence and in full view of the poll clerk and the candidates or their agents, and if the candidates or any of them are absent, then in the presence of such as are present, and of at least two electors if none of the candidates is represented, the presiding officer counts the number of votes.
Source: HAER: 39.
Last updated: Thu, 24 Oct 2002 20:14:16 GMT
VC05 What procedures are used in the initial count?
b. Preliminary count of all ballots in ballot box
c. Tally of voters who voted
d. Number of ballots in box reconciled against number of voters
e. Number of ballots reconciled against ballots initially received (minus spoilt and unused)
i. Tallying by party representative and/or observers as votes are being called out
j. Sorted into piles according to individual party/candidate
l. Counted by hand
t. Other
Source: HAER. 39 and 41.
Last updated: Thu, 24 Oct 2002 22:33:21 GMT
VC06 Following the sorting and counting, to where are the results first transmitted for consolidation?
c. District level
Comments: Following the counting, the results with the ballot box, the key of the ballot box, and the preliminary statement of the poll and the polling station account are transmitted by the presiding officer to the returning officer.
Source: HAER: 41
Last updated: Thu, 24 Oct 2002 22:35:57 GMT
VC07 At what levels are seats allocated?
b. District level
Comments: Single member constituencies.
Source: C: 23 and 33.
Last updated: Thu, 24 Oct 2002 22:37:27 GMT
VC08 How are the initial/preliminary polling results transmitted and communicated to the different levels?
a. Physically transported
b. By telephone
e. Radio
Comments: Following the counting the presiding officer transmit (by fax or radio)or deliver to the returning officer the preliminary statement of the poll, in such manner as the Supervisor of Elections may direct.
Source: HAER: 41.
Last updated: Thu, 24 Oct 2002 22:39:23 GMT
VC09 If the polling results are physically transported, what is transported?
a. Ballots
b. Unused and spoiled ballots
c. Counterfoils of used ballots
d. Voter rolls
e. Tendered ballots
f. Certificate of result
g. Ballot boxes
h. Other
Source: HAER: 41
Last updated: Thu, 24 Oct 2002 22:40:49 GMT
VC10 If the polling results are physically transported, what security measures are used?
e. Accompanied by election officials
f. Accompanied by party representatives
h. Accompanied by police or other security personnel
Source: Electoral Office.
Last updated: Thu, 24 Oct 2002 22:43:21 GMT
VC11 Under what conditions are ballots recounted?
b. Always recounted
Comments: After the ballot boxes have been received by the returning officer, they are opened at the place, date and time specified for the final count of the votes (not necessarily a recount) , and in the presence of the candidates or their agents. The returning officer, count the votes contained therein cast for each candidate, the votes rejected by the presiding officer and determine the valid votes, the total number of votes. The candidate who, on final count of the votes, is found to have secured the largest number of votes, is declared elected in writing and a copy of such declaration shall be forthwith delivered to each candidate or his agent. Besides, an additional recount can be requested by a candidate, but the returning officer may refuse to do so if, in his opinion, the request is unreasonable.
Source: HAER: 42 and 45.
Last updated: Thu, 24 Oct 2002 22:44:22 GMT
VC12 If automatically recounted, what is the trigger?
c. Legislative formula or regulation
Comments: After the count at each polling stations, all votes are subject to a final count (recount) at the district level by the respective returning officer.
Source: HAER: 42 and 45.
Last updated: Thu, 24 Oct 2002 22:45:35 GMT
VC13 If ballots are recounted by request, who can make the request?
b. An individual candidate
Comments: A candidate may, if present when the count or re-count of the votes is completed, require the returning officer to have the votes recounted or again re-counted but the returning officer may refuse to do so if, in his opinion, the request is unreasonable.
Source: HAER: 42.
Last updated: Thu, 24 Oct 2002 22:46:24 GMT
VC14 If recounted, who conducts the recount?
c. Local Election Management body
Comments: The returning officer of the relevant constituency.
Source: HAER: 42.
Last updated: Thu, 24 Oct 2002 22:47:31 GMT
VC15 Are preliminary results announced?
a. Yes
Source: Electoral Office.
Last updated: Thu, 24 Oct 2002 22:48:39 GMT
VC16 If preliminary results are announced, how long after the close of polls is this done?
a. hours: 1 to 5 hours
Comments: As soon as the results are received by the returning officer, they are released.
Source: Electoral Office.
Last updated: Thu, 24 Oct 2002 22:49:53 GMT
VC17 Is there a legal requirement for the declaration of the officially certified results?
a. Yes
Comments: As soon as the returning officer has ascertained the result of the poll, forthwith publicly declares the result and announces the candidate to whom most votes have been given to be elected as the member of the constituency; return the name to the Supervisor of Elections for transmission to the Governor-General and give public notice of his name and the total number of votes given for each candidate. The returning officer return as soon as practicable, the name of the member elected by endorsing on the writ a certificate and by delivering himself, or forwarding by his agents, the writ duly endorsed to the Supervisor of Elections for transmission to the Governor-General. The returning officer forward to each of the candidates a duplicate or copy of the return to the writ by him. The Supervisor of Elections, transmit the writ with the return endorsed thereon to the Governor-General. Then, the returning officer immediately after each general election, causes to be printed a report giving by polling divisions, the number of votes polled for each candidate, the number of rejected ballots, the number of names on the lists of electors, together with any other information that he may think fit to include; and also, at the end of each year, cause to be printed a similar report on the by-elections held during the year.
Source: HAER: 45 and 46.
Last updated: Thu, 24 Oct 2002 22:50:55 GMT
VC18 How long after the close of polls is the certified results publicly announced? (if there is no legal requirement enter the average time)
b. days:
Comments: Two to three days. The Governor General sets the time which is usually 48 to 72 hours.
Source: Electoral Office.
Last updated: Thu, 24 Oct 2002 22:52:36 GMT
Voter Education
VE01 Who conducts voter education and information campaigns at the national elections (informing where, when and how to register and vote)?
a. National Electoral Management Body
Source: Electoral Office.
Last updated: Tue, 22 Oct 2002 22:11:02 GMT
VE02 At the national level, how often are voter education programs conducted?
b. Election time only
Source: Electoral Office.
Last updated: Wed, 23 Oct 2002 00:31:54 GMT
VE03 Is there a national civic education campaign (rights and responsibilities of citizens)?
a. No
Last updated: Wed, 23 Oct 2002 00:32:45 GMT
VE04 What types of voter education activities were carried out at the most recent national elections?
a. Poster/ Billboard campaigns
b. Media advertisement
Source: Electoral Office.
Last updated: Wed, 23 Oct 2002 00:35:38 GMT
Voting Operations
VO01 Approximately what percentage (on the basis of cost) of election day supplies and equipment are obtained or produced within the country?
b. 81-90%
Source: Electoral Office.
Last updated: Thu, 24 Oct 2002 19:57:40 GMT
VO02 Is there a code of conduct for election officials?
b. No
Last updated: Thu, 24 Oct 2002 19:58:00 GMT
VO03 Where can electors vote?
a. At a specified polling station in the locality where they are registered at national elections
Source: Electoral Office.
Last updated: Thu, 24 Oct 2002 19:59:09 GMT
VO04 Who can vote from outside the country?
a. Outside the country voting is not permitted
Source: Electoral Office.
Last updated: Thu, 24 Oct 2002 20:00:02 GMT
VO05 If voting outside the country is permitted, at what places?
g. Not applicable
Comments: Voting outside the country is not permitted.
Source: Electoral Office.
Last updated: Fri, 13 Dec 2002 12:31:48 GMT
VO06 Can people vote in advance of the designated national election day(s)?
a. No
Last updated: Thu, 24 Oct 2002 20:01:11 GMT
VO07 If electors can vote in advance of the designated national election day(s), how may they do so?
f. Not applicable
Comments: Electors can not vote in advance of the designated national election day.
Last updated: Fri, 13 Dec 2002 12:32:54 GMT
VO08 If electors can vote in advance of the designated national election day(s), specify who:
g. Not applicable
Comments: Electors can not vote in advance of the designated national election day.
Last updated: Fri, 13 Dec 2002 12:33:33 GMT
VO09 Is there a maximum allowable voter capacity of a polling station for the national elections?
a. Yes
Source: Electoral Office.
Last updated: Thu, 24 Oct 2002 20:03:58 GMT
VO10 Is there a maximum allowable voter capacity of a polling station for the national elections?
a. Yes, the maximum capacity is: 400 electors
Source: Electoral Office.
Last updated: Thu, 24 Oct 2002 20:04:34 GMT
VO11 How do electors cast their votes?
a. By manually marking the ballot
Source: HAER: 31
Last updated: Thu, 24 Oct 2002 20:05:23 GMT
VO12 How many staff are assigned to each polling station?
a. The smallest polling station: one presiding officer and one poll clerk.
b. The largest polling station: one presiding officer and one poll clerk.
Comments: The presiding officer may appoint clerks to assist him. In addition each candidate may appoint one agent to attend the preliminary and final counting of the votes. No candidate can be in the same polling station, with his polling agent for more than fifteen consecutive minutes.
Source: HAER: 22 and 26.
Last updated: Thu, 24 Oct 2002 20:06:21 GMT
Voter Registration
VR01 What is the legal voting age in the national elections?
c. 18
Source: RPA: 5.
Last updated: Fri, 23 May 2003 08:31:46 GMT
VR02 Beyond age, what other qualifications exist for registering to vote and voting in the national elections?
a. Citizenship
b. Period of Residence
Comments: A person is qualified to be registered as an elector for a polling district if he is a citizen of the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines; if he is a Commonwealth citizen who has resided in San Vincent for a period not less than twelve months immediately prior to the qualifying date; and in either case has resided in that constituency for a period of not less than six months immediately preceding the qualifying date.
Source: RPA: 5.
Last updated: Tue, 22 Oct 2002 18:52:29 GMT
VR03 What restrictions on registering to vote and voting exist in the country?
a. Criminal Incarceration
d. Mental disability
h. Other
Comments: A person is disqualified from being registered as an elector if is found or declared to be a person of unsound mind or a patient in any establishment maintained wholly or mainly for the reception and treatment of persons suffering from mental illness or mental defectiveness; is undergoing any sentence of imprisonment in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines; is under sentence of death imposed on him by a competent court in any part of the Commonwealth or under sentence of imprisonment exceeding twelve months imposed on him by such a court or under some sentence substituted therefore by a competent authority and has not suffered the punishment to which he was sentenced or has not received a free pardon; or is under any law disqualified from being registered as a voter.
Source: RPA: 6.
Last updated: Tue, 22 Oct 2002 18:53:31 GMT
VR04 Which is the authority responsible for the registration of voters for national elections?
d. Election Management Body (specify)
Comments: The Supervisor of Elections exercise general supervision over the registration of voters
Source: C: 34. RPA: 15.
Last updated: Tue, 22 Oct 2002 18:55:31 GMT
VR05 What is the registration method for national elections?
b. Voters register
Source: RPA: 5.
Last updated: Tue, 22 Oct 2002 18:56:16 GMT
VR06 How frequently is the voters register updated?
e. Other
Comments: The voter register at distrital level is updated quarterly. The voter register at national level is published every year by the Supervisor of Elections.
Source: RPA: 8 and 11.
Last updated: Tue, 22 Oct 2002 18:57:38 GMT
VR07 What methods are used to compile and update the voters register?
e. Appearance by voter at registration office
f. Door-to-door registration campaign
Comments: Every person who is qualified to be registered as a voter for a constituency shall, unless registered in the register of voters for that constituency, within thirty days of the relevant day, apply to the registering officer for that constituency to have his name entered in the quarterly list of voters prepared for that constituency.
Source: RPA: 8 and 17.
Last updated: Tue, 22 Oct 2002 18:58:49 GMT
May 20, 2008 08:20 AM
