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Boundary Delimitation
BD001
Delimitation of constituencies
Question: Are constituencies delimited for election purposes?
Answer:
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.
Verified: 2011/05/31
BD002
Question: The authority responsible for final approval of the constituency boundaries is:
Answer(s):
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.
Verified: 2003/06/10
BD003
Criteria for drawing boundaries
Question: On what criteria are the boundaries drawn?
Answer(s):
a . "Equality" of population b . Respecting natural barriers
Comments: The provision of the Third Schedule of the Constitution states that
1.The electorate shall, so far as practicable, be equal in all constituencies:
Provided that the electorate in any constituency shall, so far as practicable,
not exceed 115%, nor be less than 85%, of the total electorate divided by the
number of constituencies therein.
2. Natural boundaries such as highways and rivers shall be used wherever
possible.
Source: Third Schedule of the Constitution
Verified: 2011/05/31
BD004
Question: If population is a criterion, which population figure is used?
Answer:
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
Verified: 2002/05/30
BD005
Body responsible for drawing boundaries
Question: The body responsible for drawing the boundaries is:
Answer(s):
c . Executive d . Boundary Commission
Comments: The Electoral and Boundaries Commission. The Commission consists of a Chairman, a deputy Chairman and three other members. The Chairman and two other members of the Commission shall be appointed by the Governor-General, acting on the recommendation of the Prime Minister after consultation with the Leader of the Opposition, by instrument under the Public Seal, and the deputy Chairman and one other member shall be
appointed by the Governor-General, acting on the recommendation of the Leader of the Opposition after consultation with the Prime Minister, by instrument under the Public Seal.
Source: Constitution: Ch.5, Part 1, Section 41 D.
Verified: 2011/05/31
BD006
Question: What statistical or other reasons trigger the redrawing of electoral constituency boundaries?
Answer(s):
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.
Verified: 2011/05/31
Electoral Systems
ES001
Head of State
Question: How is the Head of State selected?
Answer(s):
f . Inherited monarchy with a Governor appointed by the Monarch
Comments: The monarch of UK is the Head of State, represented by the Governor General, who the Monarch appoints. The Monarchy is hereditary.
Source: Constitution, art. 28 & 63
Verified: 2011/06/22
ES002
Head of Government
Question: How is the Head of Government selected?
Answer:
e . Appointed
Comments: The Prime Minister is appointed by the Governor General. Governor General appoints as Prime Minister the member of the House of Assembly who, in his judgment, is best able to command the confidence of a majority of the members of that House.
Source: Constitution, art. 64-65
Verified: 2011/06/22
ES003
President
Question: Does the country have a president?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution, art. 28 & 63
Verified: 2011/06/22
ES004
Number of Chambers
Question: The national legislature consists of (one/two chambers):
Answer:
b . Two chambers
Comments: The Parliament consists of the Senate and the House of Assembly.
Source: Constitution, art. 35
Verified: 2011/06/22
ES005
Electoral System (Chamber 1)
Question: What is the electoral system for Chamber 1 of the national legislature?
Answer(s):
a . Plurality (FPTP)
Comments:
Source: Constitution, art. 41-42
Verified: 2011/06/22
ES006
Question: What is the electoral system for Chamber 2 of the national legislature?
Answer(s):
j . By appointment
Comments: Appointed by the Governor General.
Source: Constitution, Art. 36
Verified: 2003/06/10
ES007
Question: If List PR is used, is a highest average formula used?
Answer:
h . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2001/05/31
ES008
Question: What is the level at which seats are distributed in Chamber 1?
Answer(s):
b . Specially delimited constituencies
Comments: There are 28 single member constituencies.
Source: Representation of the People's Act, Part 1, Section 3
Verified: 2002/05/07
ES009
Question: What is the level at which seats are distributed in Chamber 2?
Answer(s):
e . Other
Comments: Senators appointed by Governor General.
Source: Constitution, Ch. 5, Section 36.
Verified: 2003/06/10
ES010
Question: Are special constituencies or seats reserved in Chamber 1 for specific groups, such as minorities, specific nationality or other groups?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution, Ch.5, Section 41-42.
Verified: 2003/06/10
ES012
Question: Are special constituencies or seats reserved in Chamber 2 for specific groups, such as minorities, specific nationality or other groups?
Answer:
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.
Verified: 2003/06/10
ES014
Question: What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a party to win seats in Chamber 1?
Answer:
a . No minimum
Comments:
Source: Constitution, Ch.5, Section 41-42.
Verified: 2003/06/10
ES015
Question: What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a party to win seats in Chamber 2?
Answer:
c . Not applicable
Comments: The Senate is not an elected body.
Source: Constitution, Ch.5, Section 36.
Verified: 2003/06/10
ES016
Question: What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a candidate (independent/party) to win a seat in Chamber 1?
Answer:
a . No minimum
Comments:
Source: Constitution, Ch.5, Section 41-42.
Verified: 2003/06/10
ES017
Question: What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a candidate (independent/party) to win a seat in Chamber 2?
Answer:
c . Not applicable
Comments: Senators are appointed.
Source: Constitution, Ch.5, Section 36.
Verified: 2003/06/10
ES018
Question: Regarding the timing of the elections for Chamber 1, which of the following is true? Elections take place:
Answer(s):
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.
Verified: 2003/06/10
ES019
Question: Regarding the timing of the elections for Chamber 2, which of the following is true? Elections take place:
Answer(s):
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.
Verified: 2003/06/10
ES020
Question: Regarding Chamber 1 elections (excluding advance voting, postal voting, etc):
Answer:
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
Verified: 2003/06/10
ES021
Question: Regarding Chamber 2 elections (excluding advance voting, postal voting, etc):
Answer:
c . Not applicable
Comments: Senate is not an elected body.
Source: Constitution, Chapter 5, Section 36.
Verified: 2002/05/07
Legislative Framework
LF001
Status of Electoral Law
Question: What is the status of the electoral law governing national elections?
Answer(s):
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.
Source: Representation of the People's Act 1985.
The Electoral Boundaries Commission (Review of Boundaries) Order, 1990.
Verified: 2011/07/28
LF002
Question: What is the date of the latest version of the national electoral law (including latest amendments)?
Answer:
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
Verified: 2002/07/09
LF003
Electoral Law covers
Question: The national electoral law covers:
Answer(s):
a . National elections
Comments:
Source: Representation of the People's Act: Ch.12.
Verified: 2011/07/28
LF004
Compulsory/voluntary voting
Question: Is voting on the national level voluntary or compulsory?
Answer(s):
a . Voting is voluntary
Comments:
Source: Representation of the People's Act: Section 6.
International IDEA Voter Turnout Website (http://www.idea.int/vt/)
Verified: 2011/07/28
LF005
Question: 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?
Answer:
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.
Verified: 2001/07/23
LF006
Question: Are there provisions in the law which permit or require presidential election (s) to be held on the same day as national legislative elections?
Answer(s):
c . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Johnson, Donville, Chief Electoral Officer, Electoral and Boundaries Commission, bdoselcoff(a)caribsurf.com, interview in Stockholm 1/7-01.
Verified: 2001/07/23
LF007
Electoral Disputes Agency(ies)
Question: What are the agency(ies) responsible for the first level of formal electoral disputes?
Answer(s):
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.
Verified: 2011/07/28
LF008
Question: If the agency(ies) which settles formal disputes is/are specially appointed/elected; by whom?
Answer(s):
c . Judiciary
Comments:
Source: Election Offences and Controversies Act, Ch.3, Section 39.
Verified: 2003/06/10
LF009
Question: Who has the right to submit cases to the person or agency(ies)which settles formal disputes?
Answer(s):
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.
Verified: 2006/11/17
LF010
Question: What body(ies) is the final appellate authority for formal electoral disputes?
Answer(s):
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.
Verified: 2006/11/17
LF011
Question: Which body(ies) proposes electoral reforms?
Answer(s):
a . Election Management Body
Comments: a.) Electoral and Boundaries Commission.
Source: Donville Johnson, Chief Electoral Officer, Electoral and Boundaries Commission, Barbados, Donvillej(a)hotmail.com
Verified: 2002/07/09
Electoral Management
EM002
Responsibility of national EMB
Question: Does the national electoral body have the responsibility for elections at:
Answer(s):
a . National level
Comments:
Source: Constitution: Ch.5, Section 41C.
Verified: 2012/01/31
EM003
Question: The national electoral management body reports to:
Answer(s):
b . The Prime Minister
Comments:
Source: Constitution, Ch. 5, Section 41C.
Verified: 2003/06/10
EM004
EMB budget determined by
Question: The budget of the national electoral management body is determined by:
Answer(s):
b . The Prime Minister d . A national government department
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: Angela Taylor, Chief ELections Officer, Barbados
Verified: 2012/01/31
EM005
EMB expenditures controlled by
Question: The expenditures of the national electoral management body are controlled by:
Answer(s):
d . A national government department
Comments: Ministry of Finance.
Source: Angela Taylor, Chief ELections Officer, Barbados
Verified: 2012/01/31
EM006
Term of EMB members
Question: The term of the members of the national electoral management body is:
Answer:
b . For a specified number of years
Comments: The members of the Electoral and Boundaries Commission serves for a period of five (5) years and are eligible for re-appointment. However the Chief Electoral Officer is appointed for an unspecified period
Source: Constitution: Ch. 5, art.41A.
Verified: 2012/01/31
EM007
Question: The national electoral management body chairperson, or equivalent, is chosen in the following way:
Answer(s):
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
Verified: 2002/05/30
EM011
What are the approximate proportions (%) of total election expenditure for the last national elections devoted to the following?
Voter registration and preparation of voter lists
Election Management Body administration
Staff/Equipment/Supplies
Security
Official funding of parties and candidates
Voter education
Materials/systems for and operation of voting stations and ballot counts
Challenges, dispute resolution and legal costs
Polling operations
Vote tabulation
Other
Source
Johnson, Donville, Chief Electoral Officer, Electoral and Boundaries Commission, bdoselcoff(a)caribsurf.com, interview in Stockholm 1/7-01.
Verified
2009/08/21
EM012
Electoral Management model
Question: What is the Electoral Management model?
Answer:
b . Independent
Comments: A combination of the EBC and the Electoral Department
Source: Angela Taylor, Chief Electoral Officer, Elections and Boundaries Commission
Verified: 2012/01/31
EM013
Number of EMB members
Question: The EMB is composed of:
Answer:
d . Other
Comments: The Electoral and Boundaries Commission consists of five (5) members and employs thirty (30) Registering Officers while the Department has a staff of thirty five (35) employed by the Public Services Commission
Source: Electoral Management Design: The International IDEA Handbook (http://www.idea.int/publications/emd/upload/EMD_Annex_A.pdf)
Verified: 2012/01/31
EM014
Membership based on
Question: The EMB members/commissioners are selected on the basis of their:
Answer:
b . Expertise
Comments:
Source: Electoral Management Design: The International IDEA Handbook (http://www.idea.int/publications/emd/upload/EMD_Annex_A.pdf)
Verified: 2012/01/31
EM015
Question: The EMB members/commissioners are selected by:
Answer(s):
b . Head of Government d . Opposition
Comments: The prime minister and opposition choose the EMB members.
Source: Electoral Management Design: The International IDEA Handbook (http://www.idea.int/publications/emd/upload/EMD_Annex_A.pdf)
Verified: 2012/01/31
Voter Education
VE001
Information campaigns performed by
Question: Who conducts information campaigns for national elections (informing where, when and how to register and/or vote)?
Answer(s):
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
Verified: 2002/07/09
VE002
Frequency of voter education programs
Question: At the national level, how often are voter education programs conducted?
Answer:
a . Continuously
Comments: Included in the national education system, but concentrated at election time.
Source: Mr. Hensley Robinson
Verified: 2001/07/24
VE003
National civic education
Question: Is there a national civic education campaign (rights and responsibilities of citizens)?
Answer(s):
a . No
Comments: It is included in the national education system
Source: Mr. Hensley Robinson
Verified: 2000/11/15
VE004
Question: What types of voter education activities were carried out at the most recent national elections?
Answer(s):
a . Poster/ Billboard campaigns b . Media advertisement e . Public meetings f . Mail-outs
Comments: e) held by the political parties
Source: Mr. Hensley Robinson
Verified: 2000/11/15
VE005
Question: What types of civic education activities were carried out at the most recent national elections?
Answer(s):
a . Poster/ Billboard campaigns b . Media advertisement e . Public meetings
Comments:
Source: Johnson, Donville, Chief Electoral Officer, Electoral and Boundaries Commission, bdoselcoff(a)caribsurf.com, interview in Stockholm 1/7-01.
Verified: 2001/07/24
VE006
Question: Special voter education programs were developed at the most recent national elections for:
Answer(s):
h . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Donville Johnson, Chief Electoral Officer, Electoral and Boundaries Commission, Barbados, Donvillej(a)hotmail.com
Verified: 2002/07/09
Voter Registration
VR001
Voting age
Question: What is the legal voting age in the national elections?
Answer:
c . 18
Comments:
Source: Representation of the People's Act: Section 7.
Verified: 2012/01/25
VR002
Other voting requirements
Question: Beyond age, what other qualifications exist for registering to vote and voting in the national elections?
Answer(s):
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.
Verified: 2012/01/25
VR003
Question: What restrictions on registering to vote and voting exist in the country?
Answer(s):
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.
Verified: 2003/06/10
VR004
Authority responsible for voter registration
Question: Which is the authority responsible for the registration of voters for national elections?
Answer:
d . Election Management Body (specify)
Comments: The Electoral and Boundaries Commission
Source: Representation of the People Act, Art. 12 and 13
Verified: 2012/01/25
VR005
Question: What is the registration method for national elections?
Answer:
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.
Verified: 2003/06/10
VR006
Question: How frequently is the voters register updated?
Answer:
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.
Verified: 2003/06/10
VR007
Question: What methods are used to compile and update the voters register?
Answer(s):
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.
Verified: 2003/06/10
Parties and Candidates
PC001
Registration requirements for parties (Chamber 1)
Question: What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):
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
Verified: 2002/07/09
PC002
Registration requirements for parties (Chamber 2)
Question: What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 2)?
Answer(s):
g . No information available
Comments: Senators are appointed by Governor General.
Source: Constitution, Art. 36
Verified: 2003/06/10
PC003
Registration requirements for candidates (Chamber 1)
Question: What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):
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
Verified: 2009/08/21
PC004
Registration requirements for candidates (Chamber 2)
Question: What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 2)?
Answer(s):
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
Verified: 2003/06/10
PC005
Question: What are the legal qualifications for becoming a candidate at presidential elections?
Answer(s):
k . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Donville Johnson, Chief Electoral Officer, Electoral and Boundaries Commission, Barbados, Donvillej(a)hotmail.com
Verified: 2002/07/09
PC006
Question: What can disqualify a candidate at legislative elections?
Answer(s):
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
Verified: 2003/06/10
PC007
Question: What can disqualify a candidate at presidential elections?
Answer(s):
o . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Donville Johnson, Chief Electoral Officer, Electoral and Boundaries Commission, Barbados, Donvillej(a)hotmail.com
Verified: 2002/07/09
PC008
Independent candidates
Question: Can independent candidates compete in presidential or legislative elections?
Answer(s):
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
Verified: 2009/08/21
PC009
Question: If independent candidates can compete in legislative elections (Chamber 1), what are the registration requirements?
Answer(s):
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.
Verified: 2001/07/24
PC010
Question: If independent candidates can compete in legislative elections (Chamber 2), what are the registration requirements?
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments: Not Applicable
Source: www.ipu.org
Verified: 2001/05/23
PC011
Question: If independent candidates can compete in presidential elections, what are the registration requirements?
Answer(s):
e . Not Applicable
Comments: No President in System
Source:
Verified: 2000/12/04
PC012
Public funding of parties
Question: Do political parties receive direct/indirect public funding?
Answer(s):
a . No
Comments:
Source: Donville Johnson, Chief Electoral Officer, Electoral and Boundaries Commission, Barbados, Donvillej(a)hotmail.com
Verified: 2002/07/09
PC013
Question: If political parties receive direct/indirect public funding, when do they receive this?
Answer(s):
d . Not Applicable
Comments:
Source: Johnson, Donville, Chief Electoral Officer, Electoral and Boundaries Commission, bdoselcoff(a)caribsurf.com, interview in Stockholm 1/7-01.
Verified: 2001/07/24
PC014
Question: If political parties receive indirect public funding, identify the type of funding:
Answer(s):
e . Not Applicable
Comments:
Source: Johnson, Donville, Chief Electoral Officer, Electoral and Boundaries Commission, bdoselcoff(a)caribsurf.com, interview in Stockholm 1/7-01.
Verified: 2001/07/24
PC015
Question: What is the basis of the public funding?
Answer(s):
f . No information available
Comments:
Source: Donville Johnson, Chief Electoral Officer, Electoral and Boundaries Commission, Barbados, Donvillej(a)hotmail.com
Verified: 2002/07/09
PC016
Question: If political parties receive public funding, what is the specified purpose?
Answer(s):
e . Not Applicable
Comments:
Source: Johnson, Donville, Chief Electoral Officer, Electoral and Boundaries Commission, bdoselcoff(a)caribsurf.com, interview in Stockholm 1/7-01.
Verified: 2001/07/24
PC017
Question: Are political parties entitled to private funding?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Donville Johnson, Chief Electoral Officer, Electoral and Boundaries Commission, Barbados, bdoselcoff(a)caribsurf.com
Verified: 2002/05/30
PC018
Question: If political parties are entitled to private funding, for what period?
Answer(s):
d . Not Applicable
Comments:
Source: Donville Johnson, Chief Electoral Officer, Electoral and Boundaries Commission, Barbados, Donvillej(a)hotmail.com
Verified: 2002/07/09
PC019
Question: Which of the following party financing provisions are applicable?
Answer(s):
j . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Donville Johnson, Chief Electoral Officer, Electoral and Boundaries Commission, Barbados, Donvillej(a)hotmail.com
Verified: 2002/07/09
PC020
Question: Which of the following candidate financing provisions are applicable?
Answer(s):
e . Ceilings on candidate election expenses
Comments:
Source: Donville Johnson, Chief Electoral Officer, Electoral and Boundaries Commission, Barbados, bdoselcoff(a)caribsurf.com
Verified: 2002/05/30
PC021
Question: Who is responsible for administering and enforcing party income/funding regulations at national level?
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Donville Johnson, Chief Electoral Officer, Electoral and Boundaries Commission, Barbados, bdoselcoff(a)caribsurf.com
Verified: 2002/05/30
Vote Counting
VC001
Question: What are the characteristics of ballots used at national legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):
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
Verified: 2009/11/04
VC002
Question: What are the characteristics of ballots used at national legislative elections (Chamber 2)?
Answer(s):
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.
Verified: 2009/11/04
VC003
Question: What are the characteristics of ballots used at presidential elections?
Answer(s):
s . Not Applicable
Comments:
Source: Johnson, Donville, Chief Electoral Officer, Electoral and Boundaries Commission, bdoselcoff(a)caribsurf.com, interview in Stockholm 1/7-01.
Verified: 2009/11/04
VC004
Votes are sorted/counted at
Question: Following the close of the voting, where are the votes first sorted and counted?
Answer:
c . Special counting centres
Comments:
Source: Representation of the People's Act, Ch.12, Second Schedule Part III, Section 35-37.
Verified: 2009/08/21
VC005
Question: What procedures are used in the initial count?
Answer(s):
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
Comments:
Source: Johnson, Donville, Chief Electoral Officer, Electoral and Boundaries Commission, bdoselcoff(a)caribsurf.com, interview in Stockholm 1/7-01.
Verified: 2009/11/04
VC006
Question: Following the sorting and counting, to where are the results first transmitted for consolidation?
Answer(s):
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
Verified: 2009/11/04
VC007
Question: At what levels are seats allocated?
Answer(s):
d . National level
Comments:
Source: Donville Johnson, Chief Electoral Officer, Electoral and Boundaries Commission, Barbados, bdoselcoff(a)caribsurf.com
Verified: 2009/11/04
VC008
Question: How are the initial/preliminary polling results transmitted and communicated to the different levels?
Answer(s):
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
Verified: 2009/11/04
VC009
Question: If the polling results are physically transported, what is transported?
Answer(s):
i . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Johnson, Donville, Chief Electoral Officer, Electoral and Boundaries Commission, bdoselcoff(a)caribsurf.com, interview in Stockholm 1/7-01.
Verified: 2009/11/04
VC010
Question: If the polling results are physically transported, what security measures are used?
Answer(s):
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
Verified: 2009/11/04
VC011
When are ballots recounted?
Question: Under what conditions are ballots recounted?
Answer(s):
d . By request
Comments:
Source: Donville Johnson, Chief Electoral Officer, Electoral and Boundaries Commission, Barbados, Donvillej(a)hotmail.com
Verified: 2009/08/21
VC012
Question: If automatically recounted, what is the trigger?
Answer:
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Donville Johnson, Chief Electoral Officer, Electoral and Boundaries Commission, Barbados, Donvillej(a)hotmail.com
Verified: 2009/11/04
VC013
Question: If ballots are recounted by request, who can make the request?
Answer(s):
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
Verified: 2009/11/04
VC014
Question: If recounted, who conducts the recount?
Answer(s):
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.
Verified: 2009/11/04
VC015
Question: Are preliminary results announced?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Johnson, Donville, Chief Electoral Officer, Electoral and Boundaries Commission, bdoselcoff(a)caribsurf.com, interview in Stockholm 1/7-01.
Verified: 2009/11/04
VC017
Question: Is there a legal requirement for the declaration of the officially certified results?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Johnson, Donville, Chief Electoral Officer, Electoral and Boundaries Commission, Donvillej(a)hotmail.com
Verified: 2009/11/04
VC018
Question: How long after the close of polls is the certified results publicly announced? (if there is no legal requirement enter the average time)
Answer:
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.
Verified: 2009/11/04
Media and Elections
ME037
Criteria for allocating free broadcast time
Question: What are the criteria for allocating free broadcast time and/or free printed advertisement space to political parties?
Answer(s):
h . No information available
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"
Verified: 2007/01/17
ME059
Television debates
Question: Are televised debates between candidates or party representatives normally conducted?
Answer(s):
d . No information available
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2009/08/21
ME062
Blackout period for release of opinion poll results.
Question: What is the blackout period, if any, during which results of pre-election opinion polls may not be released to the public?
Answer:
g . No information available
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2009/08/21
ME080
Question: Is there a maximum amount that a political party is permitted to spend on paid advertising during a campaign period?
Answer:
c . No information available
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2009/08/21
Direct Democracy
DD002
Direct Democracy Provisions (National Level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Direct Democracy Procedures at the national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments: No mention in the constitution.
Source: "Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook" (2008) (http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm)
Verified: 2009/08/21
DD003
Mandatory referendums (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Mandatory Referendums at the national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: "Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook" (2008) (http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm)
Verified: 2009/08/21
DD004
Optional referendums (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Optional Referendums at the national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: "Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook" (2008) (http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm)
Verified: 2009/08/21
DD005
Citizens' Initiatives (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Citizen’s Initiatives at national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: "Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook" (2008) (http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm)
Verified: 2009/08/21
DD006
Agenda Initiatives (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Agenda Initiatives at national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: "Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook" (2008) (http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm)
Verified: 2009/08/21
DD007
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Recalls at national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: "Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook" (2008) (http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm)
Verified: 2009/08/21
DD129
Question: Are the results of referenda always binding, never binding or sometimes binding?
Answer:
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: "Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook" (2008) (http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm)
Verified: 2009/08/21
DD132
Year of introducing Direct Democracy
Question: What year were the first Direct Democracy mechanisms introduced to the legal framework?
Answer:
i . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: "Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook" (2008) (http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm)
Verified: 2009/08/21
DD133
Question: What year was the first referendum/initiative held?
Answer:
i . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: "Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook" (2008) (http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm)
Verified: 2009/08/21
Voting Operations
VO002
Question: Is there a code of conduct for election officials?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: Donville Johnson, Chief Electoral Officer, Electoral and Boundaries Commission, Barbados, Donvillej(a)hotmail.com
Verified: 2002/07/09
VO003
Electors vote at
Question: Where can electors vote?
Answer(s):
a . At a specified polling station in the locality where they are registered at national elections
Comments:
Source: Representation of the People Act, art. 16-17
Verified: 2012/02/24
VO004
Voting outside the country is permitted for
Question: Who can vote from outside the country?
Answer(s):
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, art. 42.
"Voting from Abroad: The International IDEA Handbook" (2007) (http://www.idea.int/publications/voting_from_abroad/index.cfm)
Verified: 2012/02/24
VO005
Locations for voting outside of the country
Question: If voting outside the country is permitted, at what places?
Answer(s):
a . Embassies
Comments:
Source:
"Voting from Abroad: The International IDEA Handbook" (2007) (http://www.idea.int/publications/voting_from_abroad/index.
Verified: 2012/02/24
VO006
Question: Can people vote in advance of the designated national election day(s)?
Answer:
a . No
Comments:
Source: Donville Johnson, Chief Electoral Officer, Electoral and Boundaries Commission, Barbados, Donvillej(a)hotmail.com
Verified: 2002/07/09
VO007
Question: If electors can vote in advance of the designated national election day(s), how may they do so?
Answer(s):
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
Verified: 2002/07/09
VO008
Question: If electors can vote in advance of the designated national election day(s), specify who:
Answer(s):
f . Other
Comments: Election officials only.
Source: Donville Johnson, Chief Electoral Officer, Electoral and Boundaries Commission, Barbados, Donvillej(a)hotmail.com
Verified: 2002/07/09
VO009
Question: Is there a maximum allowable voter capacity of a polling station for the national elections?
Answer:
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
Verified: 2001/07/24
VO011
Voting method
Question: How do electors cast their votes?
Answer(s):
a . Manually marking of ballots
Comments:
Source: Representation of the People Act, art. 29(2)
Verified: 2012/02/24
VO012
How many staff are assigned to each polling station?
The smallest polling station: 3
The largest polling station: 3
Average per polling station:
Source
Donville Johnson, Chief Electoral Officer, Electoral and Boundaries Commission, Barbados, bdoselcoff(a)caribsurf.com
Verified
2009/07/05
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