Barbados
- 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: Constituencies are delimited by the Electoral and Boundaries Commission. The Commission submits its report to both Houses of Parliament and once approved by them it is forwarded to the Governor General, who gives final legal effect by making an order for the acceptance of the review of the boundaries.
Source: Constitution, Part 5, Section 41D.
Last updated: Tue, 10 Jun 2003 09:11:56 GMT
BD02 The authority responsible for final approval of the constituency boundaries is:
a. The legislature (national/subnational)
Comments: The boundaries are approved by both the Senate and the House of Assembly and ratified by the Governor General. The Commission submits its report to both Houses of Parliament and once approved by them it is forwarded to the Governor General, who gives final legal effect by making an order for the acceptence of the review of the boundaries.
Source: Constitution, Part 5, Section 41D.
Last updated: Tue, 10 Jun 2003 09:13:50 GMT
BD03 On what criteria are the boundaries drawn?
a. "Equality" of population
c. Compactness of constituencies
d. Conformity with local jurisdiction boundaries
Comments: a.)"The provision of the Third Schedule of the Constitution states that the electorate should as far as practicable, be equal in all constituencies."
Source: Third Schedule of the Constitution
Last updated: Thu, 30 May 2002 12:20:16 GMT
BD04 If population is a criterion, which population figure is used?
c. Number of registered voters
Comments: "The provision of the Third Schedule of the Constitution states that the electorate should as far as practicable, be equal in all constituencies."
Source: Third Schedule of the Constitution
Last updated: Thu, 30 May 2002 12:21:08 GMT
BD05 The body responsible for drawing the boundaries is:
c. Boundary Commission
d. Electoral management body
Comments: The Electoral and Boundaries Commission
Source: Constitution, Ch.5, Section 41 D.
Last updated: Thu, 30 May 2002 12:21:38 GMT
BD06 What statistical or other reasons trigger the redrawing of electoral constituency boundaries?
c. Changes in numbers of registered voters
e. Changes in distribution of eligible voters
f. Changes in distribution of registered voters
g. Changes in administrative boundaries
Comments: The submission of reports (for the recommendation of constituency boundaries) by the Electoral and Boundaries Commission must be made: a) in the case of its first report, not less than one or more than five years from the date of the appointment of members of the Commission; b)in the case of any subsequent report, not less than two or more than five years from the submission of its last report.
Source: Constitution, Ch. 5, Section 41D.
Last updated: Tue, 10 Jun 2003 09:21:41 GMT
Electoral Management
EM01 Please provide the following contact information for the national electoral management body:
a. Name of Institution Electoral and Boundaries Commission
b. Full Address National Insurance Building, Fairchild Street, Bridgetown
c. Telephone +1 246 4265909
d. Facsimile +1 246 2288132
e. Email Donvillej(a)hotmail.com
g. Name and Title of Chairperson/President Donville Johnson
Source: Donville Johnson, Chief Electoral Officer, Electoral and Boundaries Commission, Barbados, Donvillej(a)hotmail.com
Last updated: Tue, 10 Jun 2003 09:04:17 GMT
EM02 Does this national electoral body have the responsibility for elections at:
a. National level
Source: Constitution, Ch.5, Section 41C.
Last updated: Tue, 10 Jun 2003 09:09:48 GMT
EM03 The national electoral management body reports to:
b. The Prime Minister
Source: Constitution, Ch. 5, Section 41C.
Last updated: Tue, 10 Jun 2003 09:09:25 GMT
EM04 The budget of the national electoral management body is determined by:
c. The legislature
Comments: Technically the final approval falls under the Minister of Finance's responsibility, but officially it is the PM who determines the budget. Once the budget is approved by the Minister the budget must pass Parliament and after that it becomes official.
Source: Donville Johnson, Chief Electoral Officer, Electoral and Boundaries Commission, Barbados, Donvillej(a)hotmail.com
Last updated: Tue, 10 Jun 2003 09:08:04 GMT
EM05 The expenditures of the national electoral management body are controlled by:
b. The Prime Minister
Comments: The Prime Minister in his capacity as Minister of Finance.
Source: Donville Johnson, Chief Electoral Officer, Electoral and Boundaries Commission, Barbados, Donvillej(a)hotmail.com
Last updated: Tue, 09 Jul 2002 11:26:41 GMT
EM06 The term of the members of the national electoral management body is:
b. For a term of _________ years
Comments: b.) For a term of 5 years
Source: Constitution, Ch. 5, Art.41 A.
Last updated: Tue, 07 May 2002 13:52:44 GMT
EM07 The national electoral management body chairperson, or equivalent, is chosen in the following way:
g. Other
Comments: "Appointed by the Governor General, acting on the recommendations of the Prime Minister after consultation with the leader of the opposition by instrument under the public seal."
Source: Constitution, Ch.5, Art.41A
Last updated: Thu, 30 May 2002 12:13:30 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: 1002674
b. Exchange rate used 2 US $= 2bb
Comments: 1 002 674,50 USD (1USD = 1bb)
Source: Johnson, Donville, Chief Electoral Officer, Electoral and Boundaries Commission, bdoselcoff(a)caribsurf.com, interview in Stockholm 1/7-01.
Last updated: 2008-01-21 12:55:44 UTC
EM09 What was the total number of registered voters or, where there was no voter roll, the estimated number of eligible voters?
a. Total number: 204307
Comments: 204307
Source: Johnson, Donville, Chief Electoral Officer, Electoral and Boundaries Commission, bdoselcoff(a)caribsurf.com, interview in Stockholm 1/7-01.
Last updated: 2008-01-21 12:55:44 UTC
EM10 What was the spending (in USD) per registered voter (NOT actual voters) or, where there was no voter roll, the estimated number of eligible voters at the last general elections?
a. USD/registered voter 4.9
b. Exchange rate used 2bb=2US$
Comments: 4.9 USD
Source: Johnson, Donville, Chief Electoral Officer, Electoral and Boundaries Commission, bdoselcoff(a)caribsurf.com, interview in Stockholm 1/7-01.
Last updated: Tue, 07 May 2002 15:05:06 GMT
EM11 What are the approximate proportions (%) of total election expenditure for the last national elections devoted to the following?
Comments: For voter registration the office runs all the time and there is no figure available for the costs. Security during elections is provided by the police.
Source: Johnson, Donville, Chief Electoral Officer, Electoral and Boundaries Commission, bdoselcoff(a)caribsurf.com, interview in Stockholm 1/7-01.
Last updated: 2008-01-21 12:55:44 UTC
Electoral Systems
ES01 How is the Head of State selected?
f. A Governor General appointed by the Monarch
Comments: Queen Elizabeth II of UK is the Head of State, represented by the Governor General, who the Monarch appoints. The Monarchy is hereditary.
Source: Constitution, Ch.4, Section 29
Last updated: Tue, 07 May 2002 09:29:23 GMT
ES02 How is the Head of Government selected?
e. Appointed
Comments: The Prime Minister is appointed by the Governor General.
Source: Constitution, Ch.6, Section 65
Last updated: Fri, 28 Jun 2002 10:03:12 GMT
ES03 Does the country have a president?
b. No
Source: Donville Johnson, Chief Electoral Officer, Electoral and Boundaries Commission, Barbados, Donvillej(a)hotmail.com
Last updated: Tue, 09 Jul 2002 09:00:35 GMT
ES04 The national legislature consists of (one/two chambers):
b. Two chambers
Source: Constitution, Art. 36
Last updated: Tue, 10 Jun 2003 08:22:32 GMT
ES05 What is the electoral system for Chamber 1 of the national legislature?
a. Plurality (FPTP)
Source: Constitution, Ch.5, Section 41-42
Last updated: Thu, 30 May 2002 12:02:01 GMT
ES06 What is the electoral system for Chamber 2 of the national legislature?
j. By appointment
Comments: Appointed by the Governor General.
Source: Constitution, Art. 36
Last updated: Tue, 10 Jun 2003 08:24:24 GMT
ES07 If List PR is used, is a highest average formula used?
h. Not applicable
Comments:
Last updated: Thu, 31 May 2001 09:47:10 GMT
ES08 What is the level at which seats are distributed in Chamber 1?
b. Specially delimited constituencies
Comments: There are 28 single member constituencies.
Source: Representation of the People's Act, Part 1, Section 3
Last updated: Tue, 07 May 2002 09:36:01 GMT
ES09 What is the level at which seats are distributed in Chamber 2?
e. Other
Comments: Senators appointed by Governor General.
Source: Constitution, Ch. 5, Section 36.
Last updated: Tue, 10 Jun 2003 08:26:01 GMT
ES10 Are special constituencies or seats reserved in Chamber 1 for specific groups, such as minorities, specific nationality or other groups?
b. No
Source: Constitution, Ch.5, Section 41-42.
Last updated: Tue, 10 Jun 2003 08:27:43 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 Na
Source: Constitution, Ch.5, Section 41-42.
Last updated: Tue, 10 Jun 2003 08:28:27 GMT
ES12 Are special constituencies or seats reserved in Chamber 2 for specific groups, such as minorities, specific nationality or other groups?
a. Yes
Comments: "Seven Senators shall be appointed by the Governor General, acting at his discretion, by instrument under the Public Seal, to represent religious, economic or social interests or such other interests as the Governor-General considers ought to be represented."
Source: Constitution, Ch.5, Section 36.
Last updated: Tue, 10 Jun 2003 08:29:39 GMT
ES13 If special constituencies or seats are reserved in Chamber 2, specify which interest groups, and the proportion of total seats reserved:
d. Other - proportion of total seats (%) 33
Comments: "Seven Senators shall be appointed by the Governor General, acting at his discretion, by instrument under the Public Seal, to represent religious, economic or social interests or such other interests as the Governor-General considers ought to be represented."
Source: Constitution Chapter 5, Section 36
Last updated: Thu, 09 May 2002 21:42:08 GMT
ES14 What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a party to win seats in Chamber 1?
a. No minimum
Source: Constitution, Ch.5, Section 41-42.
Last updated: Tue, 10 Jun 2003 08:32:00 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 Senate is not an elected body.
Source: Constitution, Ch.5, Section 36.
Last updated: Tue, 10 Jun 2003 08:33:50 GMT
ES16 What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a candidate (independent/party) to win a seat in Chamber 1?
a. No minimum
Comments:
Source: Constitution, Ch.5, Section 41-42.
Last updated: Tue, 10 Jun 2003 08:34:49 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
Comments: Senators are appointed.
Source: Constitution, Ch.5, Section 36.
Last updated: Tue, 10 Jun 2003 08:35:33 GMT
ES18 Regarding the timing of the elections for Chamber 1, which of the following is true? Elections take place:
b. Elections can be called at any time (specify by whom)
Comments: The maximum duration of parliament is five years. There is a simultaneous dissolution of both Houses of Parliament, with elections called by the Governor General on the advice of the Prime Minister.
Source: Constitution, Ch.5, Section 61.
Last updated: Tue, 10 Jun 2003 08:42:29 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 maximum duration of parliament is five years. There is a simultaneous dissolution of both Houses of Parliament, with elections called by the Governor General on the advice of the Prime Minister. Senators are appointed by the Governor General. When Chamber 1 is dissolved so is Chamber 2.
Source: Constitution, Ch.5, Section 39 and 61.
Last updated: Tue, 10 Jun 2003 08:45:13 GMT
ES20 Regarding Chamber 1 elections (excluding advance voting, postal voting, etc):
a. Voting takes place on one day
Comments: However, Election Officials may opt to vote beforehand.
Source: Representation of the People's Act, Section 36-37. Donville Johnson, Chief Electoral Officer, Electoral and Boundaries Commission, Barbados, Donvillej(a)hotmail.com
Last updated: Tue, 10 Jun 2003 08:46:36 GMT
Legislative Framework
LF01 What is the status of the electoral law governing national elections?
a. Part of Constitution
b. Separate legislation
d. Regulations or administrative rules
Comments: The Constitution is supplemented by legislation such as the Representation of the People's Act 1985, and The Electoral Boundaries Commission (Review of Boundaries) Order, 1990. d.) Regulations made by the Commission.
Source: Representation of the People's Act 1985. The Electoral Boundaries Commission (Review of Boundaries) Order, 1990.
Last updated: 2006-11-17 14:55:10 UTC
LF02 What is the date of the latest version of the national electoral law (including latest amendments)?
b. January 1990- December 1999
Comments: Electoral Law 1 June 1971. Last amended: 1998
Source: Donville Johnson, Chief Electoral Officer, Electoral and Boundaries Commission, Barbados, Donvillej(a)hotmail.com
Last updated: Tue, 09 Jul 2002 09:03:04 GMT
LF03 The national electoral law covers:
a. National elections
Source: Representation of the People's Act, Ch.12.
Last updated: Tue, 10 Jun 2003 08:53:27 GMT
LF04 Is voting on the national level voluntary or compulsory?
a. Voting is voluntary
Source: Representation of the People's Act, Section 6; International IDEA Voter Turnout Website (http://www.idea.int/vt/)
Last updated: 2006-11-17 14:55:10 UTC
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: a.) Only National elections occur.
Source: Johnson, Donville, Chief Electoral Officer, Electoral and Boundaries Commission, bdoselcoff(a)caribsurf.com, interview in Stockholm 1/7-01.
Last updated: Mon, 23 Jul 2001 14:26:19 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
Source: Johnson, Donville, Chief Electoral Officer, Electoral and Boundaries Commission, bdoselcoff(a)caribsurf.com, interview in Stockholm 1/7-01.
Last updated: Mon, 23 Jul 2001 14:26:56 GMT
LF07 What are the agency(ies) responsible for first level of formal electoral disputes?
c. Specially Appointed/Elected Electoral Tribunal
Comments: The Election Court (comprising three Judges) is responsible for trying the election petition - when hearing an election petition it has the same powers, jurisdiction and authority as the High Court.
Source: Election Offences and Controversies Act, Ch.3, Section 39.
Last updated: Tue, 10 Jun 2003 08:57:39 GMT
LF08 If the agency(ies) which settles formal disputes is/are specially appointed/elected; by whom?
c. Judiciary
Source: Election Offences and Controversies Act, Ch.3, Section 39.
Last updated: Tue, 10 Jun 2003 08:58:17 GMT
LF09 Who has the right to submit cases to the person or agency(ies)which settles formal disputes?
a. Candidates
c. Voters
Comments: An election petition may be presented by: (a) a person who voted as an elector at an election which is being questioned or who had a right to vote; or (b) a person claiming to have had a right to be elected or returned at the election; or (c) a person alleging himself to have been a candidate at the election.
Source: Constitution, Ch.3, Section 37.
Last updated: 2006-11-17 14:55:10 UTC
LF10 What body(ies) is the final appellate authority for formal electoral disputes?
e. Special Electoral Tribunal
Comments: The Election Court is the final appellate authority for electoral disputes.
Source: Election Offences and Controversies Act, Ch.3, Section 39.
Last updated: 2006-11-17 14:55:10 UTC
Media and Elections
ME01 Please provide information about the person completing the questionnaire.
Last updated: 2007-01-17 08:18:57 UTC
ME11 What laws, if any, guarantee freedom of access to public information for representatives of the media?
Last updated: 2007-01-17 08:18:57 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 08:18:57 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 08:18:57 UTC
ME19 What are the laws, if any, which govern the granting of broadcasting licenses/frequencies to private broadcasters?
Last updated: 2007-01-17 08:18:57 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 08:18:57 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 08:18:57 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 08:18:57 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 08:18:57 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 08:18:57 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 08:18:57 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 08:18:57 UTC
Parties and Candidates
PC01 What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 1)?
a. Signature requirement (specify requirement)
b. Deposit requirement (specify amount)
Comments: a) Nomination by 4 electors b) Deposit equivalent to 250 bb$(Barbados dollars), reimbursed if the candidate is elected or obtains more than 1/6 of the total votes cast in the constituency.
Source: Donville Johnson, Chief Electoral Officer, Electoral and Boundaries Commission, Barbados, Donvillej(a)hotmail.com
Last updated: Tue, 09 Jul 2002 11:43:33 GMT
PC02 What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 2)?
g. Not applicable
Comments: Senators are appointed by Governor General.
Source: Constitution, Art. 36
Last updated: Tue, 10 Jun 2003 09:41:12 GMT
PC03 What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
a. Age
b. Citizenship
d. Residence
Comments: a) 21 years of age. d) Resident in the country for more than 7 years.
Source: Constitution, Ch.5, Art.43
Last updated: Tue, 10 Jun 2003 11:09:02 GMT
PC04 What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 2)?
a. Age
b. Citizenship
d. Residence
Comments: a) 21 years of age. d) Residence in the country for at least 12 months immediately preceding appointment.
Source: Constitution, Ch.5, Art.37
Last updated: Tue, 10 Jun 2003 11:11:06 GMT
PC05 What are the legal qualifications for becoming a candidate at presidential elections?
k. Not applicable
Source: Donville Johnson, Chief Electoral Officer, Electoral and Boundaries Commission, Barbados, Donvillej(a)hotmail.com
Last updated: Tue, 09 Jul 2002 11:44:29 GMT
PC06 What can disqualify a candidate at legislative elections?
c. Criminal record
e. Offences against electoral law
f. Holding of military office
g. Holding of government office
h. Bankruptcy or Insolvency
k. Mental health problems
n. Holding of other public offices (police etc.)
o. Other
Comments: c)Imprisonment exceeding 6 months, conviction of felony or of an offence involving dishonesty. e)Electoral fraud. g)Public officers or judges, director of public prosecutions, The Auditor-General h)undischarged bankruptcy n) allegiance to Foreign State
Source: Constitution, Ch. 5, Art.44
Last updated: Tue, 10 Jun 2003 11:15:45 GMT
PC07 What can disqualify a candidate at presidential elections?
o. Not applicable
Source: Donville Johnson, Chief Electoral Officer, Electoral and Boundaries Commission, Barbados, Donvillej(a)hotmail.com
Last updated: Tue, 09 Jul 2002 11:45:39 GMT
PC08 Can independent candidates compete in presidential or legislative elections?
c. In legislative elections (Chamber 1)
Comments: 43. Subject to the provisions of section 44, any person who - a. is a Commonwealth citizen of the age of twenty one years or upwards; and b. has such connection with Barbados by residence therein as may be prescribed by Parliament, shall be qualified to be elected as a member of the House of Assembly. No President
Source: Constitution of Barbados, Chapter 5:43
Last updated: Mon, 04 Dec 2000 06:11:29 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: a)nomination by 4 electors b)deposit equivalent to 250bb$(Barbados dollars), reimbursed if the candidate is elected or obtains more than 1/6 of the total votes cast in the constituency
Source: www.ipu.org Johnson, Donville, Chief Electoral Officer, Electoral and Boundaries Commission, bdoselcoff(a)caribsurf.com, interview in Stockholm 1/7-01.
Last updated: Tue, 24 Jul 2001 12:59:19 GMT
PC10 If independent candidates can compete in legislative elections (Chamber 2), what are the registration requirements?
e. Not applicable
Comments: Not Applicable
Source: www.ipu.org
Last updated: Wed, 23 May 2001 14:06:49 GMT
PC11 If independent candidates can compete in presidential elections, what are the registration requirements?
e. Not Applicable
Comments: No President in System
Last updated: Mon, 04 Dec 2000 06:26:33 GMT
PC12 Do political parties receive direct/indirect public funding?
a. No
Source: Donville Johnson, Chief Electoral Officer, Electoral and Boundaries Commission, Barbados, Donvillej(a)hotmail.com
Last updated: Tue, 09 Jul 2002 11:46:17 GMT
PC13 If political parties receive direct/indirect public funding, when do they receive this?
d. Not Applicable
Source: Johnson, Donville, Chief Electoral Officer, Electoral and Boundaries Commission, bdoselcoff(a)caribsurf.com, interview in Stockholm 1/7-01.
Last updated: Tue, 24 Jul 2001 13:01:39 GMT
PC14 If political parties receive indirect public funding, identify the type of funding:
e. Not Applicable
Source: Johnson, Donville, Chief Electoral Officer, Electoral and Boundaries Commission, bdoselcoff(a)caribsurf.com, interview in Stockholm 1/7-01.
Last updated: Tue, 24 Jul 2001 13:02:10 GMT
PC15 What is the basis of the public funding?
f. Not applicable
Source: Donville Johnson, Chief Electoral Officer, Electoral and Boundaries Commission, Barbados, Donvillej(a)hotmail.com
Last updated: Tue, 09 Jul 2002 11:47:06 GMT
PC16 If political parties receive public funding, what is the specified purpose?
e. Not Applicable
Source: Johnson, Donville, Chief Electoral Officer, Electoral and Boundaries Commission, bdoselcoff(a)caribsurf.com, interview in Stockholm 1/7-01.
Last updated: Tue, 24 Jul 2001 13:12:33 GMT
PC17 Are political parties entitled to private funding?
b. No
Source: Donville Johnson, Chief Electoral Officer, Electoral and Boundaries Commission, Barbados, bdoselcoff(a)caribsurf.com
Last updated: Thu, 30 May 2002 12:55:56 GMT
PC18 If political parties are entitled to private funding, for what period?
d. Not Applicable
Source: Donville Johnson, Chief Electoral Officer, Electoral and Boundaries Commission, Barbados, Donvillej(a)hotmail.com
Last updated: Tue, 09 Jul 2002 11:47:47 GMT
PC19 Which of the following party financing provisions are applicable?
j. Not applicable
Source: Donville Johnson, Chief Electoral Officer, Electoral and Boundaries Commission, Barbados, Donvillej(a)hotmail.com
Last updated: Tue, 09 Jul 2002 11:48:28 GMT
Vote Counting
VC01 What are the characteristics of ballots used at national legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
a. Single ballot (all registered parties listed)
e. Ability to vote for candidates within parties (personal vote)
g. Different ballots used in different constituencies
l. No photos or logos, only party and/or candidate names
m. Organized alphabetically
o. Ballots signed or otherwise authenticated by polling station official
Comments: Ballots stamped, not signed.
Source: Representation of the People Act; Chapter 12
Last updated: Wed, 25 Jul 2001 08:27:12 GMT
VC02 What are the characteristics of ballots used at national legislative elections (Chamber 2)?
s. Not applicable
Comments: Senate appointed by Governor General.
Source: Johnson, Donville, Chief Electoral Officer, Electoral and Boundaries Commission, bdoselcoff(a)caribsurf.com, interview in Stockholm 1/7-01.
Last updated: Wed, 25 Jul 2001 07:49:16 GMT
VC03 What are the characteristics of ballots used at presidential elections?
s. Not Applicable
Source: Johnson, Donville, Chief Electoral Officer, Electoral and Boundaries Commission, bdoselcoff(a)caribsurf.com, interview in Stockholm 1/7-01.
Last updated: Wed, 25 Jul 2001 07:51:07 GMT
VC04 Following the close of the voting, where are the votes first sorted and counted?
c. At special counting centres
Source: Representation of the People's Act, Ch.12, Second Schedule Part III, Section 35-37.
Last updated: Tue, 10 Jun 2003 11:17:23 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)
g. Single tallying as voters are being called out
l. Counted by hand
m. Sorted by party list
Source: Johnson, Donville, Chief Electoral Officer, Electoral and Boundaries Commission, bdoselcoff(a)caribsurf.com, interview in Stockholm 1/7-01.
Last updated: Mon, 13 May 2002 12:40:12 GMT
VC06 Following the sorting and counting, to where are the results first transmitted for consolidation?
e. National level
Comments: The votes are all counted at the same place.
Source: Donville Johnson, Chief Electoral Officer, Electoral and Boundaries Commission, Barbados, Donvillej(a)hotmail.com
Last updated: Tue, 09 Jul 2002 11:49:35 GMT
VC07 At what levels are seats allocated?
d. National level
Source: Donville Johnson, Chief Electoral Officer, Electoral and Boundaries Commission, Barbados, bdoselcoff(a)caribsurf.com
Last updated: Thu, 30 May 2002 13:12:39 GMT
VC08 How are the initial/preliminary polling results transmitted and communicated to the different levels?
h. Other
Comments: Not Applicable, since all votes are counted at the same place.
Source: Donville Johnson, Chief Electoral Officer, Electoral and Boundaries Commission, Barbados, Donvillej(a)hotmail.com
Last updated: Tue, 09 Jul 2002 11:50:24 GMT
VC09 If the polling results are physically transported, what is transported?
i. Not applicable
Source: Johnson, Donville, Chief Electoral Officer, Electoral and Boundaries Commission, bdoselcoff(a)caribsurf.com, interview in Stockholm 1/7-01.
Last updated: Wed, 25 Jul 2001 08:10:49 GMT
VC10 If the polling results are physically transported, what security measures are used?
k. Not applicable
Comments: All votes are counted at the same place.
Source: Donville Johnson, Chief Electoral Officer, Electoral and Boundaries Commission, Barbados, bdoselcoff(a)caribsurf.com
Last updated: Thu, 30 May 2002 13:20:47 GMT
VC11 Under what conditions are ballots recounted?
d. By request
Source: Donville Johnson, Chief Electoral Officer, Electoral and Boundaries Commission, Barbados, Donvillej(a)hotmail.com
Last updated: Tue, 09 Jul 2002 11:51:16 GMT
VC12 If automatically recounted, what is the trigger?
e. Not applicable
Source: Donville Johnson, Chief Electoral Officer, Electoral and Boundaries Commission, Barbados, Donvillej(a)hotmail.com
Last updated: Tue, 09 Jul 2002 11:53:44 GMT
VC13 If ballots are recounted by request, who can make the request?
b. An individual candidate
d. Domestic observers
Comments: (1)A candidate or his election agent may, if present when the count or any re-count of the votes is completed, require the returning officer to have the votes re-counted or again re-counted but the returning officer may refuse to do so if, in his opinion, the request is unreasonable.
Source: Rules for Conduct of House of Assembly Elections found in Representation of the People Act Cap.12, Second Schedule Part III, Section 38
Last updated: Wed, 25 Jul 2001 08:18:03 GMT
VC14 If recounted, who conducts the recount?
a. National Election Management body
Comments: The returning officer conducts the recount assisted by the counting agents.
Source: Representation of the People's Act, Ch. 12, Second Schedule, Part III.
Last updated: Tue, 10 Jun 2003 11:36:48 GMT
VC15 Are preliminary results announced?
b. No
Source: Johnson, Donville, Chief Electoral Officer, Electoral and Boundaries Commission, bdoselcoff(a)caribsurf.com, interview in Stockholm 1/7-01.
Last updated: Wed, 25 Jul 2001 08:19:57 GMT
VC16 If preliminary results are announced, how long after the close of polls is this done?
d. Not applicable Na
Comments: (1) In a contested election, when the result of the poll has been ascertained, the returning officer shall immediately (a) declare to be elected the candidates to whom the majority of votes has been given; (b) return the name to the Governor General; and (c) give public notice of his name and of the total number of votes given for each candidate.
Source: Part IV of the Rules for Conduct of House of Assembly Elections, Part IV Section 51 states:
Last updated: Mon, 13 May 2002 13:46:21 GMT
VC17 Is there a legal requirement for the declaration of the officially certified results?
b. No
Source: Johnson, Donville, Chief Electoral Officer, Electoral and Boundaries Commission, Donvillej(a)hotmail.com
Last updated: Tue, 09 Jul 2002 11:54:32 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)
a. hours:
Comments: In a contested election, when the result of the poll has been ascertained, the returning officer shall immediately: (a)declare elected the candidates with the majority of votes. (b)return the name to the Governor General; and (c)give public notice of his/herRepresentaion name and of the total number of votes given for each candidate.
Source: Rules for Conduct of House of Assembly Elections, Part IV, Section 51 in the Representaion of the People's Act.
Last updated: Tue, 10 Jun 2003 11:25:17 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
h. Political parties/ candidates
i. Media
k. Other
Comments: a)The responsibility for the education lies on the Elections and Boundaries Commission. i)Election time only. k)Most of the education on how to vote is otherwise given in the national educational system.
Source: Donville Johnson, Chief Electoral Officer, Electoral and Boundaries Commission, Barbados, Donvillej(a)hotmail.com
Last updated: Tue, 09 Jul 2002 11:29:34 GMT
VE02 At the national level, how often are voter education programs conducted?
a. Continuously
Comments: Included in the national education system, but concentrated at election time.
Source: Mr. Hensley Robinson
Last updated: Tue, 24 Jul 2001 12:37:48 GMT
VE03 Is there a national civic education campaign (rights and responsibilities of citizens)?
a. No
Comments: It is included in the national education system
Source: Mr. Hensley Robinson
Last updated: Wed, 15 Nov 2000 15:29:21 GMT
VE04 What types of voter education activities were carried out at the most recent national elections?
a. Poster/ Billboard campaigns
b. Media advertisement
e. Public meetings
f. Mail-outs
Comments: e) held by the political parties
Source: Mr. Hensley Robinson
Last updated: Wed, 15 Nov 2000 15:29:57 GMT
VE05 What types of civic education activities were carried out at the most recent national elections?
a. Poster/ Billboard campaigns
b. Media advertisement
e. Public meetings
Source: Johnson, Donville, Chief Electoral Officer, Electoral and Boundaries Commission, bdoselcoff(a)caribsurf.com, interview in Stockholm 1/7-01.
Last updated: Tue, 24 Jul 2001 12:39:24 GMT
Voting Operations
VO02 Is there a code of conduct for election officials?
a. Yes
Source: Donville Johnson, Chief Electoral Officer, Electoral and Boundaries Commission, Barbados, Donvillej(a)hotmail.com
Last updated: Tue, 09 Jul 2002 11:35:55 GMT
VO03 Where can electors vote?
a. At a specified polling station in the locality where they are registered at national elections
Source: Donville Johnson, Chief Electoral Officer, Electoral and Boundaries Commission, Barbados, Donvillej(a)hotmail.com
Last updated: Tue, 09 Jul 2002 11:36:54 GMT
VO04 Who can vote from outside the country?
f. Diplomatic staff
Comments: "A person is qualified to be treated as a foreign service elector at any election in any constituency who is (a)serving abroad as the Head of a Mission or a member of the Staff of a Mission; (b)a member of the household of a person mentioned in paragraph (a)"
Source: Representation of the People's Act, Ch.12, Section 21.
Last updated: 2006-03-16 16:51:05 UTC
VO05 If voting outside the country is permitted, at what places?
a. Embassies
Source: Donville Johnson, Chief Electoral Officer, Electoral and Boundaries Commission, Barbados, Donvillej(a)hotmail.com
Last updated: Tue, 09 Jul 2002 11:38:34 GMT
VO06 Can people vote in advance of the designated national election day(s)?
a. No
Source: Donville Johnson, Chief Electoral Officer, Electoral and Boundaries Commission, Barbados, Donvillej(a)hotmail.com
Last updated: Tue, 09 Jul 2002 11:39:08 GMT
VO07 If electors can vote in advance of the designated national election day(s), how may they do so?
f. Not applicable
Comments: The only persons eligible to vote prior to election day are election officials who voted prior to election day for the first time in the General Elections of 1999.
Source: Donville Johnson, Chief Electoral Officer, Electoral and Boundaries Commission, Barbados, Donvillej(a)hotmail.com
Last updated: Tue, 09 Jul 2002 11:39:48 GMT
VO08 If electors can vote in advance of the designated national election day(s), specify who:
f. Other
Comments: Election officials only.
Source: Donville Johnson, Chief Electoral Officer, Electoral and Boundaries Commission, Barbados, Donvillej(a)hotmail.com
Last updated: Tue, 09 Jul 2002 11:40:55 GMT
VO09 Is there a maximum allowable voter capacity of a polling station for the national elections?
b. No
Comments: "There is no specific maximum allowable voter capacity. However the legislation with regards to the number of persons in each constituency ensures that the amounts of voters at each station is manageable."
Source: Barbados Electoral and Boundaries Commission
Last updated: Tue, 24 Jul 2001 13:28:59 GMT
VO10 Is there a maximum allowable voter capacity of a polling station for the national elections?
Comments: "There is no specific maximum allowable voter capacity. However the legislation with regards to the number of persons in each constituency ensures that the amounts of voters at each station is manageable."
Source: Barbados Electoral and Boundaries Commission
Last updated: 2006-03-16 16:51:05 UTC
VO11 How do electors cast their votes?
a. By manually marking the ballot
Source: Donville Johnson, Chief Electoral Officer, Electoral and Boundaries Commission, Barbados, Donvillej(a)hotmail.com
Last updated: Tue, 09 Jul 2002 11:42:02 GMT
VO12 How many staff are assigned to each polling station?
a. The smallest polling station: 3
b. The largest polling station: 3
Source: Donville Johnson, Chief Electoral Officer, Electoral and Boundaries Commission, Barbados, bdoselcoff(a)caribsurf.com
Last updated: Thu, 30 May 2002 13:05:53 GMT
VO13 Approximately how many hours of training were provided to the presiding polling officer for the most recent national elections?
a. hours: 1
Comments: Five meetings of two hour durations, approximately.
Source: Donville Johnson, Chief Electoral Officer, Electoral and Boundaries Commission, Barbados, bdoselcoff(a)caribsurf.com
Last updated: 2006-03-16 16:51:05 UTC
VO14 Approximately how many hours of training were provided to the other polling officials for the most recent national elections?
a. hours: 1
Comments: Five meetings of two hour durations.
Source: Donville Johnson, Chief Electoral Officer, Electoral and Boundaries Commission, Barbados, bdoselcoff(a)caribsurf.com
Last updated: 2006-03-16 16:51:05 UTC
Voter Registration
VR01 What is the legal voting age in the national elections?
c. 18
Source: Representation of the People's Act, Section 7.
Last updated: Tue, 10 Jun 2003 09:22:57 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: He/she needs to be a citizen of Barbados or be a Commonwealth citizen who has resided in Barbados for a period of at least 3 years before the election. He/she also needs to have resided in the constituency where he/she will vote for a period of at least 3 months before the election.
Source: Representation of the People's Act, Section 7.
Last updated: Tue, 10 Jun 2003 09:23:31 GMT
VR03 What restrictions on registering to vote and voting exist in the country?
a. Criminal Incarceration
d. Mental disability
Comments: a.) Death sentence imposed by any other Commonwealth country.
Source: Representation of the People's Act, Ch. 12, Section 8.
Last updated: Tue, 10 Jun 2003 09:25:29 GMT
VR04 Which is the authority responsible for the registration of voters for national elections?
d. Election Management Body (specify)
Comments: The Electoral and Boundaries Commission
Source: Constitution, Ch.5, Section 41 c.
Last updated: Thu, 30 May 2002 12:34:55 GMT
VR05 What is the registration method for national elections?
b. Voters register
Comments: "The Commission shall cause to be prepared and shall publish not later than the 31st day of January in every year a register of electors for each constituency and a register of foreign service electors entitled to vote at any election"
Source: Representation of the People's Act, Ch. 12, Section 13.
Last updated: Tue, 10 Jun 2003 09:27:29 GMT
VR06 How frequently is the voters register updated?
a. Continuously
Comments: a.) The voters register is up-dated continuously and published every year."The Commission shall cause to be prepared and shall publish not later than the 31st day of January in every year a register of electors for each constituency and a register of foreign service electors entitled to vote at any election".
Source: Representation of the People's Act, Ch.12, Section 13.
Last updated: Tue, 10 Jun 2003 09:30:20 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 qualifies under the Representation of the People Act to be registered as a voter must do so. Every occupant of a house that is not already registered shall within 30 days of the relevent date apply to the registration officer of that constituency to have his/her name entered in the register. The Registrar of Deaths transmits lists of deceased persons to the Chief Registering Officer every month.
Source: Representation of the People's Act, Ch.12, Section 10.
Last updated: Tue, 10 Jun 2003 09:29:19 GMT
VR08 Is it compulsory to be on the voters register?
b. No
Source: Johnson, Donville, Chief Electoral Officer, Electoral and Boundaries Commission, Donvillej(a)hotmail.com
Last updated: Tue, 09 Jul 2002 11:32:51 GMT
VR09 Approximately what percentage (on the basis of cost) of registration supplies and equipment are obtained or produced within the country?
Comments: "Barbados does not practise any of these supplies."
Source: Donville Johnson, Chief Electoral Officer, Electoral and Boundaries Commission, Barbados, bdoselcoff(a)caribsurf.com
Last updated: Thu, 30 May 2002 12:35:37 GMT
May 20, 2008 07:18 AM
