Belize
- 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
Source: C: 89 (1).
Last updated: 2004-10-27 15:04:27 UTC
BD02 The authority responsible for final approval of the constituency boundaries is:
a. The legislature (national/subnational)
Comments: When the Elections and Boundaries Commission considers it necessary to increase the number of electoral divisions, it shall make proposals to the National Assembly, and the National Assembly may enact a law to give effect to such proposals.
Source: C: 90 (4).
Last updated: 2004-10-27 15:04:39 UTC
BD03 On what criteria are the boundaries drawn?
a. "Equality" of population
b. Respecting natural barriers
c. Compactness of constituencies
g. Other
Comments: The Commission has also to take into consideration the transport and other facilities of the division.
Source: C: 90 (1).
Last updated: Tue, 25 Nov 2003 14:29:53 GMT
BD04 If population is a criterion, which population figure is used?
c. Number of registered voters
Source: C: 90 (1).
Last updated: Wed, 20 Aug 2003 23:28:28 GMT
BD05 The body responsible for drawing the boundaries is:
d. Electoral management body
Comments: Elections and Boundaries Commission.
Source: C: 90.
Last updated: Wed, 20 Aug 2003 23:32:10 GMT
BD06 What statistical or other reasons trigger the redrawing of electoral constituency boundaries?
c. Changes in numbers of registered voters
d. Changes in distribution of total population
Comments: The Constitution refers that the Elections and Boundaries Commission shall, after considering the distribution of the population throughout Belize, make proposals from time to time for dividing Belize into electoral divisions.
Source: C: 90 (1).
Last updated: 2004-10-27 15:04:53 UTC
Direct Democracy
DD01 Please provide information about the person completing the questionnaire.
a. Name and Title: Carlos Navarro
b. Job Title: Director of Electoral Studies
c. Organisation: Federal Electoral Institute
d. Contact Address. Viaducto Tlalpan 100, Arenal Tepepan, Mexico City, 14610
e. Telephone: (5255) 5628-4234
f. Facsimile: (5255) 5655-7012
g. Email: cmnf99@ife.org.mx
Last updated: 2005-10-13 19:22:50 UTC
DD02 Which forms of direct democracy, if any, are currently possible at the national level?
Please check the glossary for the definition of the following terms:
f. None
Source: 1981 Constitution, updated through 1988 reforms.
Last updated: 2005-10-13 19:24:16 UTC
DD17 Are mandatory referendums currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
c. No
Source: 1981 Constitution, updated through 1988 reforms.
Last updated: 2005-10-13 19:24:41 UTC
DD18 Are optional referendums currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
c. No
Source: 1981 Constitution, updated through 1988 reforms
Last updated: 2005-10-13 19:25:08 UTC
DD19 Are citizens' initiatives currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
c. No
Source: 1981 Constitution, updated through 1988 reforms.
Last updated: 2005-10-14 17:55:13 UTC
DD20 Are agenda initiatives currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
c. No
Source: 1981 Constitution, updated through 1988 reforms.
Last updated: 2005-10-14 17:55:41 UTC
DD21 Are recalls currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
c. No
Source: 1981 Constitution, updated through 1988 reforms.
Last updated: 2005-10-14 17:56:34 UTC
DD22 Are mandatory referendums currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
c. No
Source: 1981 Constitution, updated through 1988 reforms.
Last updated: 2005-10-14 17:56:48 UTC
DD23 Are optional referendums currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
c. No
Source: 1981 Constitution, updated through 1988 reforms.
Last updated: 2005-10-14 17:57:02 UTC
DD24 Are citizens' initiatives currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
c. No
Source: 1981 Constitution, updated through 1988 reforms.
Last updated: 2005-10-14 17:57:16 UTC
Electoral Management
EM01 Please provide the following contact information for the national electoral management body:
a. Name of Institution Elections and Boundaries Commission.
b. Full Address P.O. Box 913, Belize City, Belize
c. Telephone (501) 222 4992/4042
d. Facsimile (501) 222 - 4991
e. Email electbound@btl.net
f. Website Address www-belize-electionas.org
g. Name and Title of Chairperson/President Mr. Karl H. Menzies
h. Information Officer Mrs. Myrtle Palacio
i. Official language of the electoral law governing national elections English
Comments: The Department is responsible for electoral administration through the Chief Elections Officer.
Source: ROPA, Part IV, Sec. 2.
Last updated: Tue, 25 Nov 2003 14:05:09 GMT
EM02 Does this national electoral body have the responsibility for elections at:
b. Regional level
c. Local level
Comments: Referendum, Village Council, Board Members for the Toledo Development Corporation.
Source: CEOB.
Last updated: Wed, 20 Aug 2003 17:54:20 GMT
EM03 The national electoral management body reports to:
f. Other
Comments: According to a constitutional provision: In the exercise of its functions, the Commission shall not be subject to the direction or control of any other person or authority and shall subject to the provisions of this Constitution, act in accordance with the Representation of the People Act or any other law, rule or regulation relating to elections. The Elections and Boundaries Department through the Chief Elections Officer, reports to the Commission and to a Minister of Government. The Department also reports to a Minister of Government.
Source: C: Sec. 88 (14).
Last updated: Tue, 25 Nov 2003 14:14:17 GMT
EM04 The budget of the national electoral management body is determined by:
g. Other
Comments: The Cabinet is the principal executive instrument of the policy with general direction and control of the government.
Source: C: Sec. 44 (1).
Last updated: 2004-10-27 15:03:09 UTC
EM05 The expenditures of the national electoral management body are controlled by:
e. Another organ within the national government
Comments: The Elections and Boundaries Department presents, annually, a budget to the Ministry responsible.
Source: CEOB.
Last updated: 2004-10-27 15:03:34 UTC
EM06 The term of the members of the national electoral management body is:
b. For a term of _________ years
Comments: For a term of five years. The Elections and Boundaries Commission is composed of one Chairman and four other members.
Source: C: Sec. 88 (5).
Last updated: Wed, 20 Aug 2003 18:16:10 GMT
EM07 The national electoral management body chairperson, or equivalent, is chosen in the following way:
g. Other
Comments: The Chairman and the other four members of the Elections and Boundaries Commission are appointed by the Governor General, acting in accordance with the advice of the Prime Minister given after consultation with the Leader of the Opposition, and 2 other members and Chairman acting in accordance with advice of the Prime Minister after consultation with the Leader of the Opposition.
Source: C. Sec 88 (2).
Last updated: 2004-10-27 15:03:54 UTC
EM08 According to official sources, what was the estimated overall cost (in US dollars if available) of the most recent national elections?
Comments: No information available.
Last updated: Wed, 20 Aug 2003 21:46:55 GMT
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: 126,202
Comments: 91% of voter population age.
Source: CEOB.
Last updated: Wed, 20 Aug 2003 21:54:01 GMT
Electoral Systems
ES01 How is the Head of State selected?
f. A Governor General appointed by the Monarch
Comments: The Governor-General, who is appointed by Her Majesty, must be a citizen of Belize and shall be Her Majesty's Representative in Belize.
Source: C: Sec. 30.
Last updated: 2005-03-30 10:03:50 UTC
ES02 How is the Head of Government selected?
d. Leader of the party which forms the government becomes Head of Government
Comments: Appointed by the Governor General. The leader of the majority party or the leader of the majority coalition is usually appointed Prime Minister by the Governor General.
Source: C: Sec. 37 (1) and (2).
Last updated: 2004-10-29 12:59:51 UTC
ES04 The national legislature consists of (one/two chambers):
b. Two chambers
Source: C: Sec. 55.
Last updated: Tue, 25 Nov 2003 11:22:40 GMT
ES05 What is the electoral system for Chamber 1 of the national legislature?
a. Plurality (FPTP)
Comments: The House of Representatives is composed of 29 elected members.
Source: EL: Representation of the People Act (ROPA) 17 (1) and (3).
Last updated: 2004-10-27 14:57:07 UTC
ES06 What is the electoral system for Chamber 2 of the national legislature?
j. By appointment
Comments: There are 12 members and 1 President. The Governor General appoints the Senators, out of which 3 belong to the Opposition; 6 to the Government; one to the Business Community, one to the Church, and one to the Trade Union.
Source: Membership and Composition of The Senate (Amendments) Act No. 39 of 2001.
Last updated: Tue, 25 Nov 2003 11:26:49 GMT
ES07 If List PR is used, is a highest average formula used?
h. Not applicable
Comments: Plurality System.
Source: EL: Representation of the People Act (ROPA) 17 (1) and (3).
Last updated: 2004-10-27 14:57:32 UTC
ES08 What is the level at which seats are distributed in Chamber 1?
b. Specially delimited constituencies
Comments: For the purposes of the election of the members of the House of representatives, Belize is divided into 29 electoral divisions.
Source: C: Sec. 90. EL: ROPA: 17 (3).
Last updated: Wed, 20 Aug 2003 16:25:33 GMT
ES09 What is the level at which seats are distributed in Chamber 2?
d. Not applicable
Comments: All senators are appointed.
Source: Membership and Composition of The Senate (Amendments) Act No. 39 of 2001.
Last updated: Tue, 25 Nov 2003 11:28:17 GMT
ES10 Are special constituencies or seats reserved in Chamber 1 for specific groups, such as minorities, specific nationality or other groups?
b. No
Comments: Each electoral division shall be represented in the House of Representatives by one elected member.
Source: ROPA: 17 (3).
Last updated: Wed, 20 Aug 2003 16:29:39 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 *
Source: ROPA: 17 (3).
Last updated: 2004-10-29 13:09:56 UTC
ES12 Are special constituencies or seats reserved in Chamber 2 for specific groups, such as minorities, specific nationality or other groups?
a. Yes
Comments: The Governor-General appoints Senators, according to the following criteria: 3 seats for the Opposition, 6 seats for the Government and 1 seat for the Business Community, 1 seat for the Church, and 1 seat for the Trade Union.
Source: Electoral Office.
Last updated: 2004-10-27 14:58:25 UTC
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 (%) X
Comments: 50% for Government; 25 % for Opposition; 25% for other (1 seat for the Business Community, 1 seat for the Church, and 1 seat for the Trade Union).
Source: Membership and Composition of The Senate (Amendments) Act No. 39 of 2001.
Last updated: 2004-10-27 15:00:09 UTC
ES14 What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a party to win seats in Chamber 1?
a. No minimum
Comments: Representatives are elected by the FPTP system.
Source: EL: Representation of the People Act (ROPA) 17 (1) and (3).
Last updated: 2004-10-27 15:00:24 UTC
ES15 What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a party to win seats in Chamber 2?
c. Not applicable
Comments: Members are appointed.
Source: EL: Representation of the People Act (ROPA) 17 (1) and (3).
Last updated: 2004-10-27 15:00:35 UTC
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: Plurality system.
Source: EL: Representation of the People Act (ROPA) 17 (1) and (3).
Last updated: 2004-10-27 15:00:49 UTC
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
Source: EL: Representation of the People Act (ROPA) 17 (1) and (3)
Last updated: Tue, 25 Nov 2003 13:58:43 GMT
ES18 Regarding the timing of the elections for Chamber 1, which of the following is true? Elections take place:
d. Other
Comments: The Governor General may prorogue or dissolve the National Assembly. In the exercise of his powers to dissolve the National Assembly, the GG shall act in accordance with the advice of the Prime Minister. Other than during time of war, the National Assembly shall continue for 5 years from the date of the first sitting of the House of Representatives. At any time where Belize is at war, the National Assembly may by law extend the period of 5 years for not more than 12 months at a time, provided that it is not extended for more than 2 years.
Source: C: Sec. 84.
Last updated: 2004-10-27 15:01:05 UTC
ES19 Regarding the timing of the elections for Chamber 2, which of the following is true? Elections take place:
e. Not applicable
Comments: Every Senator shall vacate his seat at the next dissolution of the National Assembly after his appointment.
Source: C: 64.
Last updated: Fri, 13 Jun 2003 00:56:29 GMT
ES20 Regarding Chamber 1 elections (excluding advance voting, postal voting, etc):
a. Voting takes place on one day
Comments: The voting takes place on one day from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (unless otherwise directed by the Writ of Election issued by the Governor-General).
Source: EL: ROPA 11.
Last updated: Tue, 25 Nov 2003 14:00:41 GMT
Legislative Framework
LF01 What is the status of the electoral law governing national elections?
b. Separate legislation
Comments: The basic provisions are embodied in the Constitution, but a specific legislation (the Representation of the People Act) regulates all aspects of elections.
Last updated: 2004-10-29 13:00:55 UTC
LF02 What is the date of the latest version of the national electoral law (including latest amendments)?
a. January 2000 or later
Comments: The current Ordinance was enacted in 1978. The present revised edition shows all amendments in force until December 31, 2000.
Last updated: Tue, 25 Nov 2003 14:01:42 GMT
LF03 The national electoral law covers:
a. National elections
d. Referendums
Comments: The Representation of the People Act covers the elections for the House of Representatives and the registration process.
Source: CEO of Belize.
Last updated: 2004-10-27 15:01:45 UTC
LF04 Is voting on the national level voluntary or compulsory?
a. Voting is voluntary
Source: EL: CEO of Belize.
Last updated: 2006-11-17 16:19:38 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: No such provisions in the Law. For the first time on March 5, 2003, the dates coincided to have national and local elections on the same day.
Source: CEO of Belize.
Last updated: Wed, 20 Aug 2003 17:33:03 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: Tue, 09 Jul 2002 17:43:34 GMT
LF07 What are the agency(ies) responsible for first level of formal electoral disputes?
a. Judiciary
Comments: Every election petition shall be tried by the Chief Justice or by a judge of the Supreme Court nominated by the Chief Justice for the purpose.
Source: ROPA 47 (1).
Last updated: 2006-11-17 16:19:38 UTC
LF08 If the agency(ies) which settles formal disputes is/are specially appointed/elected; by whom?
h. Not applicable
Source: ROPA 47 (1).
Last updated: Tue, 25 Nov 2003 14:03:37 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 Petitioner may be a person who voted or had the right to vote, or was a candidate at the election.
Source: ROPA: fourth schedule (4).
Last updated: 2006-11-17 16:19:38 UTC
LF10 What body(ies) is the final appellate authority for formal electoral disputes?
c. Superior Court
Comments: The Court of Appeal
Source: EL: 61.
Last updated: Tue, 09 Jul 2002 17:49:24 GMT
LF11 Which body(ies) proposes electoral reforms?
b. Legislative Committee
Comments: Any person or organization may propose electoral reforms. However, it is the entitlement of the Legislature (House of Representatives) to pass Bills on all matters. All bills must be assented by the Governor-General.
Source: C: Sec. 55.
Last updated: 2004-10-27 15:02:24 UTC
Media and Elections
ME01 Please provide information about the person completing the questionnaire.
Last updated: 2007-01-17 08:20:04 UTC
ME11 What laws, if any, guarantee freedom of access to public information for representatives of the media?
Last updated: 2007-01-17 08:20:04 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 08:20:04 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 08:20:04 UTC
ME19 What are the laws, if any, which govern the granting of broadcasting licenses/frequencies to private broadcasters?
Last updated: 2007-01-17 08:20:04 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 08:20:04 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 08:20:04 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 08:20:04 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 08:20:04 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 08:20:04 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 08:20:04 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 08:20:04 UTC
Parties and Candidates
PC01 What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 1)?
g. Not applicable
Comments: The registration provisions to participate in national elections (House of Representatives) are related to individual candidates, not to political parties.
Last updated: Tue, 09 Jul 2002 18:49:54 GMT
PC02 What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 2)?
g. Not applicable
Source: Membership and Composition of the Senate (Amendements) Act No. 39 of 2001.
Last updated: 2004-10-27 15:09:41 UTC
PC03 What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
b. Citizenship
d. Residence
Comments: The residence should be of at least one year immediately before the date of the nomination.
Source: Constitution 57.
Last updated: 2006-04-12 22:05:20 UTC
PC04 What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 2)?
k. Not applicable
Comments: Even though senators are not publicly elected, in order to be appointed they must comply with the same qualifications (and most of the restrictions) applied to the representatives.
Source: Constitution 62.
Last updated: 2006-04-12 22:05:20 UTC
PC05 What are the legal qualifications for becoming a candidate at presidential elections?
k. Not applicable
Source: Constitution 62.
Last updated: 2006-04-12 22:05:20 UTC
PC06 What can disqualify a candidate at legislative elections?
a. Current criminal incarceration
e. Offences against electoral law
f. Holding of military office
h. Bankruptcy or Insolvency
k. Mental health problems
n. Holding of other public offices (police etc.)
Comments: The criminal incarceration refers to a sentence that exceeds 12 months. The holding of other offices refers to any duty related to conducting elections, including the electoral register, and to being a member of the police forces.
Source: Constitution 59.
Last updated: 2006-04-12 22:05:20 UTC
PC07 What can disqualify a candidate at presidential elections?
o. Not applicable
Last updated: Tue, 09 Jul 2002 19:05:52 GMT
PC08 Can independent candidates compete in presidential or legislative elections?
c. In legislative elections (Chamber 1)
Comments: The registration procedures and provisions refer to individual candidates, regardless of their membership or lack thereof to any political party.
Source: Electoral Law: Third Schedule (TS) (3 and 5).
Last updated: 2006-04-12 22:08:03 UTC
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: The nomination paper should be signed by six persons whose names appear on the register of voters for the electoral division concerned. They have to give a deposit of 200 dollars.
Source: Electoral Law: Third Schedule (3 and 5).
Last updated: 2006-04-12 22:08:03 UTC
PC10 If independent candidates can compete in legislative elections (Chamber 2), what are the registration requirements?
e. Not applicable
Source: Constitution 62.
Last updated: 2006-04-12 22:05:20 UTC
PC11 If independent candidates can compete in presidential elections, what are the registration requirements?
e. Not Applicable
Source: Constitution 62.
Last updated: 2006-04-12 22:05:20 UTC
PC12 Do political parties receive direct/indirect public funding?
d. Other
Comments: There are no legal provisions on this matter. The minister responsible for elections is entitled to make regulations on expenses and payments incurred before, during and after elections but by individual candidates, not by political parties.
Source: Electoral Law: 68.
Last updated: 2006-04-12 22:08:03 UTC
PC13 If political parties receive direct/indirect public funding, when do they receive this?
d. Not Applicable
Source: Electoral Law: 68.
Last updated: 2006-04-12 22:08:03 UTC
PC14 If political parties receive indirect public funding, identify the type of funding:
e. Not Applicable
Source: Electoral Law: 68.
Last updated: 2006-04-12 22:08:03 UTC
PC15 What is the basis of the public funding?
f. Not applicable
Source: Electoral Law: 68.
Last updated: 2006-04-12 22:08:03 UTC
PC16 If political parties receive public funding, what is the specified purpose?
e. Not Applicable
Source: Electoral Law: 68.
Last updated: 2006-04-12 22:08:03 UTC
PC17 Are political parties entitled to private funding?
b. No
Comments: No provisions in the electoral legislation.
Source: Electoral Law: 68.
Last updated: 2006-04-12 22:08:03 UTC
PC18 If political parties are entitled to private funding, for what period?
d. Not Applicable
Source: Electoral Law: 68.
Last updated: 2006-04-12 22:08:03 UTC
PC19 Which of the following party financing provisions are applicable?
j. Not applicable
Comments: The regulations that the minister may make on this matter according to the law are related to individual candidates.
Source: Electoral Law: 68.
Last updated: 2006-04-12 22:08:03 UTC
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
h. Party symbols in color
l. No photos or logos, only party and/or candidate names
r. Other
Comments: The party symbols are printed in color only if decided by the EMB. Each ballot should have a number printed in the back.
Source: Electoral Law: TS (15).
Last updated: 2006-05-30 20:33:33 UTC
VC02 What are the characteristics of ballots used at national legislative elections (Chamber 2)?
s. Not applicable
Last updated: Tue, 09 Jul 2002 20:16:05 GMT
VC03 What are the characteristics of ballots used at presidential elections?
s. Not Applicable
Source: Constitution: 62.
Last updated: 2006-05-30 20:33:33 UTC
VC04 Following the close of the voting, where are the votes first sorted and counted?
c. At special counting centres
Source: Electoral Law: TS (29).
Last updated: 2006-05-30 20:33:33 UTC
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)
j. Sorted into piles according to individual party/candidate
l. Counted by hand
s. Copies of results are provided to party agents
Source: Electoral Law: TS (29).
Last updated: 2006-05-30 20:33:33 UTC
VC06 Following the sorting and counting, to where are the results first transmitted for consolidation?
f. Other
Comments: The counting process takes place at the corresponding counting center at district level, where the elected candidate is declared. Thus, there is no need to consolidate the results at any other level.
Source: Electoral Law: TS (33).
Last updated: 2006-05-30 20:33:33 UTC
VC07 At what levels are seats allocated?
b. District level
Source: Electoral Law: 16.
Last updated: 2006-05-30 20:33:33 UTC
VC08 How are the initial/preliminary polling results transmitted and communicated to the different levels?
h. Other
Comments: The returning officer at each counting center is entitled to declare the elected candidate, once the counting process has finished, and then make a return to the Chief Elections Officer, who has to publish all return in the Gazzete. According to the law, if only one candidate is nominated in an electoral division, the returning officer shall immediately declare him/her elected. No elections need to be held.
Source: Electoral Law: TS (33 and 3).
Last updated: 2006-05-30 20:33:33 UTC
VC09 If the polling results are physically transported, what is transported?
i. Not applicable
Comments: The counting is made at counting centers, and there is no need to transport any polling results to any other place in order to make them available to the public.
Source: Electoral Law: TS (33 and 3).
Last updated: 2006-05-30 20:33:33 UTC
VC10 If the polling results are physically transported, what security measures are used?
k. Not applicable
Source: Electoral Law: TS (33 and 3).
Last updated: 2006-05-30 20:33:33 UTC
VC11 Under what conditions are ballots recounted?
d. By request
f. Other
Comments: Any candidate or his/her agent may at any time during the recounting request the returning officer to recount any or all of the ballot papers or to recheck any figures recorded, but the returning officer may refuse to do so if in his/her opinion the request is unreasonable. Besides, the returning officer may, at his/her discretion, recount or direct the recount when he/she is not satisfied with the accuracy of the previous count.
Source: Electoral Law: TS (29).
Last updated: 2006-05-30 20:33:33 UTC
VC12 If automatically recounted, what is the trigger?
e. Not applicable
Last updated: Tue, 09 Jul 2002 22:56:42 GMT
VC13 If ballots are recounted by request, who can make the request?
b. An individual candidate
Source: Electoral Law: TS (29).
Last updated: 2006-05-30 20:33:33 UTC
VC14 If recounted, who conducts the recount?
c. Local Election Management body
Comments: The returning officer at electoral division level conducts the recount.
Source: Electoral Law: TS (29).
Last updated: 2006-05-30 20:33:33 UTC
VC16 If preliminary results are announced, how long after the close of polls is this done?
d. Not applicable *
Last updated: Tue, 09 Jul 2002 23:00:51 GMT
VC17 Is there a legal requirement for the declaration of the officially certified results?
a. Yes
Last updated: Tue, 09 Jul 2002 23:08:29 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: a) 4 hours. The Returning Officer's public declaration at the end of count for a division is official.
Source: Elections and Boundaries Department, Election 2003 Report.
Last updated: 2006-05-30 20:33:33 UTC
Voter Education
VE01 Who conducts voter education and information campaigns at the national elections (informing where, when and how to register and vote)?
k. Other
Comments: The Elections and Boundaries Department has undertaken this since 1999.
Source: Elections and Boundaries Department Annual Report 2002.
Last updated: 2006-05-30 20:28:37 UTC
Voting Operations
VO02 Is there a code of conduct for election officials?
b. No
Last updated: Tue, 09 Jul 2002 19:31:54 GMT
VO03 Where can electors vote?
a. At a specified polling station in the locality where they are registered at national elections
h. By proxy
Comments: h.) Only the staff employed in an essential service (including policemen, electoral officers and assistants of the electoral officer) in a division other than the one where they are registered and members of the defense forces may vote by proxy.
Source: EL: 8 and TS (18 and 19).
Last updated: 2004-10-27 15:06:49 UTC
VO04 Who can vote from outside the country?
a. Outside the country voting is not permitted
Source: EL: 8 and TS (18 and 19).
Last updated: 2004-10-27 15:07:07 UTC
VO05 If voting outside the country is permitted, at what places?
g. Not applicable
Source: EL: 8 and TS (18 and 19).
Last updated: 2004-10-27 15:07:16 UTC
VO06 Can people vote in advance of the designated national election day(s)?
a. No
Source: EL: 8 and TS (18 and 19).
Last updated: 2004-10-27 15:07:28 UTC
VO07 If electors can vote in advance of the designated national election day(s), how may they do so?
f. Not applicable
Source: EL: 8 and TS (18 and 19).
Last updated: 2004-10-27 15:07:36 UTC
VO08 If electors can vote in advance of the designated national election day(s), specify who:
g. Not applicable
Source: EL: 8 and TS (18 and 19).
Last updated: 2004-10-27 15:08:02 UTC
VO09 Is there a maximum allowable voter capacity of a polling station for the national elections?
b. No
Comments: The law does not set forth any specific provision. According to the law, each electoral division may be subdivided into such number of polling areas as the Chief Elections Officer deems necessary, with the approval of the Commission. When more than one polling station is established the returning officer shall divide the register of electors into as many separate parts as there are polling divisions.
Source: EL: TS (10 and 17).
Last updated: 2004-10-27 15:08:23 UTC
Voter Registration
VR01 What is the legal voting age in the national elections?
c. 18
Source: EL: 15.
Last updated: Tue, 09 Jul 2002 18:30:54 GMT
VR02 Beyond age, what other qualifications exist for registering to vote and voting in the national elections?
e. Other
Comments: To be registered as an elector and to be in possession of an identification card issued by the Chief Elections Officer.
Source: EL: 6.
Last updated: Tue, 09 Jul 2002 18:33:57 GMT
VR03 What restrictions on registering to vote and voting exist in the country?
a. Criminal Incarceration
d. Mental disability
h. Other
Comments: The criminal incarceration refers to a sentence of imprisonment exceeding one year. An undischarged bankruptcy accusation is also a disqualification.
Source: EL: 7.
Last updated: Tue, 25 Nov 2003 14:32:53 GMT
VR04 Which is the authority responsible for the registration of voters for national elections?
d. Election Management Body (specify)
Comments: Elections and Boundaries Commission.
Source: C: 88 and EL: 9 and Second Schedule (SS).
Last updated: 2004-10-27 15:06:00 UTC
VR05 What is the registration method for national elections?
b. Voters register
Source: EL: SS (3 to 6).
Last updated: 2004-10-27 15:06:14 UTC
VR06 How frequently is the voters register updated?
c. Periodically (or before each election)
Source: EL: SS (27).
Last updated: Tue, 09 Jul 2002 18:38:38 GMT
20/05/2008 07:18
