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Saint Kitts and Nevis
- 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: Constitution of Saint Kitts and Nevis, 1983. Articles 49 and 50
Last updated: Thu, 30 May 2002 01:11:24 GMT
Electoral Management
EM01 Please provide the following contact information for the national electoral management body:
a. Name of Institution Saint Christopher and Nevis Electoral Commission
i. Official language of the electoral law governing national elections English
Last updated: Thu, 30 May 2002 00:46:35 GMT
EM02 Does this national electoral body have the responsibility for elections at:
a. National level
Comments: Constitution of Saint Kitts and Nevis, 1983. Article 33
Last updated: Thu, 30 May 2002 00:25:34 GMT
EM03 The national electoral management body reports to:
b. The Prime Minister
Source: Constitution of Saint Kitts and Nevis, 1983. Article 33
Last updated: Thu, 30 May 2002 00:50:02 GMT
EM04 The budget of the national electoral management body is determined by:
c. The legislature
Source: Constitution of Saint Kitts and Nevis, 1983. Articles 70 and 71
Last updated: Thu, 30 May 2002 00:33:25 GMT
EM06 The term of the members of the national electoral management body is:
d. Other
Comments: Not less than seven years
Source: Constitution of Saint Kitts and Nevis, 1983. Article 33
Last updated: Thu, 30 May 2002 00:35:52 GMT
EM07 The national electoral management body chairperson, or equivalent, is chosen in the following way:
e. Governmental appointment
Comments: Chairman of Saint Christopher and Nevis Electoral Commission is appointed by the Governor General, acting as his own deliberate judgment
Source: Constitution of Saint Kitts and Nevis, 1983. Article 33
Last updated: Thu, 30 May 2002 00:55:13 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: 34,166
Comments: Registered voters for General Elections on March 2000
Source: www.idea.int/voter_turnout/northamerica/st_kitts.html
Last updated: Thu, 30 May 2002 00:42:31 GMT
Electoral Systems
ES01 How is the Head of State selected?
f. A Governor General appointed by the Monarch
g. Inherited monarchy
Comments: British Monarch is the Head of State of Saint Kitts and Nevis, and is represented by a Governor General appointed by her
Source: Constitution of Saint Kitts and Nevis, 1983. Articles 21 and 51
Last updated: Wed, 29 May 2002 23:33:58 GMT
ES02 How is the Head of Government selected?
d. Leader of the party which forms the government becomes Head of Government
Source: Constitution of Saint Kitts and Nevis, 1983. Article 52
Last updated: Wed, 29 May 2002 23:36:13 GMT
ES05 What is the electoral system for Chamber 1 of the national legislature?
a. Plurality (FPTP)
Comments: 11 members are directly elected by people in single seat constituencies, 3 other -called Senators- are appointed by Governor General, one by advice of Leader of Opposition and two by advie of Prime Minister. In addition there is a Speaker of the Assembly, that could be elected from among members who are not part of the Cabinet or Paralmentary Secretaries or from among persons who are not members of the Assembly but could qualify as one of them.
Source: Constitution of Saint Kitts and Nevis, 1983. Articles 29, 30 and 32
Last updated: 2004-07-13 18:51:26 UTC
ES06 What is the electoral system for Chamber 2 of the national legislature?
k. The national legislature consists of one chamber only
Last updated: Wed, 29 May 2002 23:01:01 GMT
ES07 If List PR is used, is a highest average formula used?
h. Not applicable
Last updated: Wed, 29 May 2002 23:02:15 GMT
ES08 What is the level at which seats are distributed in Chamber 1?
b. Specially delimited constituencies
Source: Constitution of Saint Kitts and Nevis, 1983. Articles 20 and 50
Last updated: Wed, 29 May 2002 23:40:05 GMT
ES09 What is the level at which seats are distributed in Chamber 2?
d. Not applicable
Last updated: Wed, 29 May 2002 23:07:47 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, 29 May 2002 23:09:10 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, 29 May 2002 23:10:57 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
Last updated: Wed, 29 May 2002 23:11:52 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
Last updated: Wed, 29 May 2002 23:41:36 GMT
ES14 What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a party to win seats in Chamber 1?
c. Not applicable
Comments: Single seats constituencies
Last updated: Wed, 29 May 2002 23:14:20 GMT
ES15 What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a party to win seats in Chamber 2?
c. Not applicable
Last updated: Wed, 29 May 2002 23:42:10 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, 29 May 2002 23:17:04 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)
b. Elections can be called at any time (specify by whom)
d. Other
Comments: Pairlamentary period shall be five years, but Governor General has the power of dissolve it at any time, in accordance with advice of Prime Minister. Also at any time, when British Monarch is in war Parilament may extend its period for not more than twelve months at a time. If any seat is vacant, election or appointment shall be with in ninety days after.
Source: Constitution of Saint Kitts and Nevis, 1983. Articles 47 and 48
Last updated: Wed, 29 May 2002 23:58:01 GMT
ES19 Regarding the timing of the elections for Chamber 2, which of the following is true? Elections take place:
e. Not applicable
Last updated: Wed, 29 May 2002 23:23:17 GMT
Legislative Framework
LF01 What is the status of the electoral law governing national elections?
b. Separate legislation
Comments: There are two basic pieces of legislation which govern the electoral process: Firstly, the saint Christopher and Nevis Constitution Order 1983 of 23rd June 1983 no. 881. Secondly, the National Assembly Election Act cap. 162. The House of Assembly Election Ordinance Amendment Act 1983 no. 16 of 1983 and the Elections Registration Regulations of 1984 were made under the provision of section 104 of the National Assembly Act cap. 162.
Source: IFE 2006.
Last updated: 2006-05-31 16:25:25 UTC
LF03 The national electoral law covers:
a. National elections
b. Regional elections
d. Referendums
Comments: The National Electoral Laws also cover the management/delivery of the Nevis Island Assembly Elections, referendum and by-elections.
Source: IFE 2006.
Last updated: 2006-05-31 16:26:27 UTC
LF04 Is voting on the national level voluntary or compulsory?
a. Voting is voluntary
Source: Constitution of Saint Kitts and Nevis, 1983. Article 29
Last updated: Thu, 30 May 2002 00:04:34 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: Thu, 30 May 2002 00:08:27 GMT
LF07 What are the agency(ies) responsible for first level of formal electoral disputes?
a. Judiciary
Comments: The High Court
Source: Constitution of Saint Kitts and Nevis, 1983. Article 36
Last updated: Thu, 30 May 2002 00:18:30 GMT
LF09 Who has the right to submit cases to the person or agency(ies)which settles formal disputes?
a. Candidates
c. Voters
e. Other
Comments: The High court has jurisdiction to hear and determine any question related with voters, candidates ans members of National Assembly
Source: Constitution of Saint Kitts and Nevis, 1983. Article 36
Last updated: Thu, 30 May 2002 00:22:26 GMT
Media and Elections
ME01 Please provide information about the person completing the questionnaire.
Last updated: 2007-01-17 10:58:49 UTC
ME11 What laws, if any, guarantee freedom of access to public information for representatives of the media?
Last updated: 2007-01-17 10:58:49 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 10:58:49 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 10:58:49 UTC
ME19 What are the laws, if any, which govern the granting of broadcasting licenses/frequencies to private broadcasters?
Last updated: 2007-01-17 10:58:49 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 10:58:49 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 10:58:49 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 10:58:49 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 10:58:49 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 10:58:49 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 10:58:49 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 10:58:49 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) Support of at least two electors from the constituency concerned b) Deposit of a sum equivalent to US$ 55, which is reimbursed on obtaining at least 1/8 of votes cast in the constituency.
Source: IPU Parline Database: http://www.ipu.org/parline-e/reports/2267.htm
Last updated: 2007-01-12 16:11:48 UTC
PC02 What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 2)?
g. Not applicable
Source: IFE 2006.
Last updated: 2006-05-31 16:57:02 UTC
PC03 What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
a. Age
b. Citizenship
c. Country of birth
e. Citizenship of parents
f. Registration
j. Other
Comments: Twenty-one years or upwards, he/she or one of his/her parents was born in Saint Christopher and Nevis and he is domiciled there at the date of his nomination for election or his appointment, his/her candidacy is supported by at least 2 electors registered in the constituency concerned an a deposit equivalent to USD 55, which is reimbursed if candidate obtains at least 1/8 of votes cast in the constituency.
Source: Constitution 27.
Last updated: 2006-05-31 16:59:52 UTC
PC04 What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 2)?
k. Not applicable
Source: IFE 2006.
Last updated: 2006-05-31 17:00:14 UTC
PC05 What are the legal qualifications for becoming a candidate at presidential elections?
k. Not applicable
Source: IFE 2006.
Last updated: 2006-05-31 17:00:31 UTC
PC08 Can independent candidates compete in presidential or legislative elections?
c. In legislative elections (Chamber 1)
Source: Constitution 27.
Last updated: 2006-05-31 17:11:51 UTC
PC12 Do political parties receive direct/indirect public funding?
a. No
Source: International IDEA (2003) "Funding of Political Parties and Election Campaigns"
Last updated: 2006-11-15 14:29:04 UTC
PC15 What is the basis of the public funding?
f. Not applicable
Comments: There is no funding public funding of political parties.
Source: International IDEA (2003) "Funding of Political Parties and Election Campaigns"
Last updated: 2006-11-15 14:29:04 UTC
Vote Counting
VC01 What are the characteristics of ballots used at national legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
r. Other
Last updated: 2007-02-06 15:24:08 UTC
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
Comments: The observer group noted that the voter education was not impartial, the political parties were biased in their educational activities.
Source: Commonwealth election observation group, 2004: http://www.thecommonwealth.org/shared_asp_files/uploadedfiles/%7B5972135A-B249-4CA4-B21E-A84996267327%7D_St%20KittsandNevisReport%20_without%20annexes.pdf
Last updated: 2007-02-08 08:48:53 UTC
Voting Operations
VO03 Where can electors vote?
a. At a specified polling station in the locality where they are registered at national elections
Source: Constitution 34.
Last updated: 2006-05-31 17:12:59 UTC
VO04 Who can vote from outside the country?
a. Outside the country voting is not permitted
Source: IFE 2006.
Last updated: 2006-05-31 17:13:37 UTC
VO05 If voting outside the country is permitted, at what places?
g. Not applicable
Source: IFE 2006.
Last updated: 2006-05-31 17:13:37 UTC
VO10 Is there a maximum allowable voter capacity of a polling station for the national elections?
Last updated: 2007-02-08 08:51:30 UTC
VO11 How do electors cast their votes?
a. By manually marking the ballot
Source: Commonwealth election observation group, 2004: http://www.thecommonwealth.org/shared_asp_files/uploadedfiles/%7B5972135A-B249-4CA4-B21E-A84996267327%7D_St%20KittsandNevisReport%20_without%20annexes.pdf
Last updated: 2007-02-08 08:51:30 UTC
May 20, 2008 08:19 AM
