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Boundary Delimitation
BD001
Delimitation of constituencies
Question: Are constituencies delimited for election purposes?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: In 2007, the number of parliamentary electoral districts was increased from 36 to 41, 39 in Trinidad and 2 in Tobago.
Source: Constitution: “Constitution of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago”, Section 46(2), 70: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/TT/trinidad-and-tobago-constitution-2016/ ;
Elections and Boundaries Commission website (2020): https://www.ebctt.com/electoral-districts/overview/
Verified: 2020/08/22
BD002
Question: The authority responsible for final approval of the constituency boundaries is:
Answer(s):
a . The legislature (national/subnational)
Comments: Where any draft made under this section gives effect to any such recommendations with modifications, the Minister shall lay before the House of Representatives together with the draft a statement of the reasons for the modifications.
(5) Where the motion for the approval of any draft made under this section is rejected by the House of Representatives, or is withdrawn by leave of that House, the Minister shall amend the draft and lay the amended draft before the House of
Representatives.
Source: Constitution of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, Section 72 [2-6]
Verified: 2015/05/21
BD003
Criteria for drawing boundaries
Question: On what criteria are the boundaries drawn?
Answer(s):
a . "Equality" of population b . Respecting natural barriers g . Other
Comments: The Elections and Boundaries Commission submits reports every two to five years to the Prime Minister and the Speaker of the House of Representatives stating the redistricting needs, or lack thereof. The Delimitation of Constituencies Rules pays special attention to the needs of sparsely populated areas and the facility of communication between various places within the polling divisions.
Source: Constitution: “Constitution of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago”, Section 72 & Second Schedule “Boundaries of Constituencies”: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/TT/trinidad-and-tobago-constitution-2016/ ;
Electoral Law: “Representation of the People Act”, Registration Rules, Section 3(2): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/TT/trinidad-and-tobago-rop-2016/
Verified: 2020/08/22
BD004
Question: If population is a criterion, which population figure is used?
Answer:
e . Voting age population
Comments: The number of electoral districts in an electoral area of a regional municipality is determined as follows:
“There shall be in every electoral area a basic number of four electoral districts. To this basic number shall be added the number obtained by dividing the electorate of the electoral area by 15,000; but where in any electoral area the electorate is-
a) less than 15,000, there shall be five electoral districts;
b) more than 15,000, any residual number left after dividing the total electorate by 15,000 shall be treated as if that number were 15,000 and one electoral district shall be added in respect of such residual number.”
Source: Elections and Boundaries Commission (Local Government) Act, Second Schedule, Provision 2.
Verified: 2015/05/21
BD005
Body responsible for drawing boundaries
Question: The body responsible for drawing the boundaries is:
Answer(s):
d . Boundary Commission e . Electoral Management Body (EMB)
Comments: The Elections and Boundaries Commission is responsible for reviewing the number and boundaries of the constituencies into which Trinidad and Tobago is divided. A report in this regard is submitted every two to five years to the Prime Minister and the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Source: Constitution: “Constitution of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago”, Section 72 & Second Schedule “Boundaries of Constituencies”: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/TT/trinidad-and-tobago-constitution-2016/ ;
Electoral Law: “Representation of the People Act”, Registration Rules, Section 3(2): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/TT/trinidad-and-tobago-rop-2016/
Verified: 2020/08/22
BD006
Question: What statistical or other reasons trigger the redrawing of electoral constituency boundaries?
Answer(s):
k . Boundaries redrawn every____period of years l . Other
Comments: Reports under subsection (1) shall be submitted by the Commission not less than two nor more than five years from the date of the submission of its last report.
(1) states that The Commission shall, in accordance with the provisions of this section, review the number and boundaries of the constituencies into which Trinidad and Tobago is divided and submit to the Prime Minister and the Speaker for presentation to the House of Representatives in accordance with this section
reports either—
(a) showing the constituencies into which it recommends that Trinidad and Tobago should be divided in order to give effect to the rules set out in the Second Schedule; or
(b) stating that, in the opinion of the Commission, no alteration is required to the existing number
or boundaries of constituencies in order to give effect to the said rules.
Source: Constitution of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, art. 71-72
Verified: 2015/05/21
Electoral Systems
ES001
Head of State
Question: How is the Head of State selected?
Answer(s):
e . Elected by electoral college or committee
Comments: Although all members of the Senate and House of Representatives must assemble as one single Electoral College, ten Senators, the Speaker of the House of Representatives (who convenes the Electoral College) and twelve other members of the House of Representatives shall constitute a quorum. They all vote by secret ballot for the President, and the candidate with the greatest number of votes is declared elected.
Source: Constitution: “Constitution of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago”, Section 28, 29 & 31: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/TT/trinidad-and-tobago-constitution-2016/
Verified: 2020/08/22
ES002
Head of Government
Question: How is the Head of Government selected?
Answer:
e . Appointed
Comments: The person appointed by the President as Prime Minister can be either the leader of the majority party in the House of Representatives or, if there is no majoritarian party, the member of the House who is most likely to command the support of the majority of members of that House.
Source: Constitution: “Constitution of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago”, Section 76: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/TT/trinidad-and-tobago-constitution-2016/
Verified: 2020/08/22
ES003
President
Question: Does the country have a president?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: The President is voted for by an Electoral College made up of all the members of the Senate and the House of Representatives.
Source: Constitution: “Constitution of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago”, Section 22: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/TT/trinidad-and-tobago-constitution-2016/
Verified: 2020/08/22
ES004
Number of Chambers
Question: The national legislature consists of (one/two chambers):
Answer:
b . Two chambers
Comments: The Parliament of Trinidad and Tobago comprises the Senate and the House of Representatives. The Senate consists of 31 members appointed by the President (16 in accordance with the advice of Prime Minister, 6 in accordance with the advice of the Leader of the Opposition and 9 in the discretion of the President from outstanding persons from economic, social or community organizations and other major fields of endeavour), and the House of Representatives is composed of 41 elected members.
Source: Constitution: “Constitution of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago”, Section 46: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/TT/trinidad-and-tobago-constitution-2016/
Verified: 2020/08/22
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: “Constitution of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago”, Section 73: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/TT/trinidad-and-tobago-constitution-2016/
Verified: 2020/08/22
ES006
Question: What is the electoral system for Chamber 2 of the national legislature?
Answer(s):
j . By appointment
Comments: Of the thirty-one Senators—
(a) sixteen shall be appointed by the President acting in accordance with the advice of the Prime Minister;
(b) six shall be appointed by the President acting in accordance with the advice of the Leader of the Opposition and;
(c) nine shall be appointed by the President in his discretion from outstanding persons from economic or social or community organisations and other major fields of endeavour.
Source: Constitution, art.40
Verified: 2015/05/21
ES007
Question: If List PR is used, is a highest average formula used?
Answer:
e . Hare
Comments: NOTE: THIS IS FOR LOCAL ELECTIONS OF ALDERMEN, NOT NATIONAL.
Example of Calculation of allocation of Aldermen for Municipality X
A. Calculation of Quota-
Total valid votes cast 25,916
Number of seats per in each
Council designated for Aldermen 4
Quota = A/B = 6,479
B. Calculation of Aldermen Allocation
Total valid votes for Party A 11, 420
Total valid votes for Party B 8,013
Total valid votes for Party C 6,483
Seat allocation for Party A – 11,420/ 6,479 = 1.76
Seat allocation for Party B – 8,013/ 6,479 = 1.23
Seat allocation for Party C – 6,483/ 6,479 = 1.00
Eliminate all fractions therefore –
Seat allocation for Party A – 1
Seat allocation for Party B – 1
Seat allocation for Party C – 1
3
Number of vacant seats remaining to be allocated (the surplus) –
4 – 3 = 1
Source: Amendment to the Municipal Corporations Act, Chap 25:04
Verified: 2015/05/21
ES008
Question: What is the level at which seats are distributed in Chamber 1?
Answer(s):
a . National level b . Specially delimited constituencies
Comments: (2) There shall be thirty-six members of the House of Representatives or such other number of members as corresponds with the number of constituencies as provided for by an Order made by the President under section 72.
Source: Constitution of Trinidad and Tobago, Article 46 [2]
Verified: 2015/05/21
ES009
Question: What is the level at which seats are distributed in Chamber 2?
Answer(s):
a . National level
Comments: The Senate shall consist of thirty-one members (in this Constitution referred to as “Senators”) who shall be appointed by the President in accordance with this section.
Source: Constitution of Trinidad and Tobago, Article 40 [1]
Verified: 2015/05/21
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 of Trinidad and Tobago, Article 46-49
Verified: 2015/05/21
ES012
Question: Are special constituencies or seats reserved in Chamber 2 for specific groups, such as minorities, specific nationality or other groups?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution of Trinidad and Tobago, Article 43-46
Verified: 2015/05/21
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: No party-list proportional representation is present on the national scale.
Source: Constitution of Trinidad and Tobago, Chapter 4, Part V.
Verified: 2015/05/21
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: Senators are directly appointed by the President.
Source: Constitution of Trinidad and Tobago, Article 40 [1]
Verified: 2015/05/21
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: The election of members of the House of Representatives shall be by secret ballot and in accordance with the first-past-the-post system.
Source: Constitution of Trinidad and Tobago, Article 73 [1]
Verified: 2015/05/21
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 directly appointed by the President.
Source: Constitution of Trinidad and Tobago, Article 40 [1]
Verified: 2015/05/21
ES018
Question: Regarding the timing of the elections for Chamber 1, which of the following is true? Elections take place:
Answer(s):
d . Other
Comments: Elections are called whenever parliament is dissolved.
Source: Constitution of Trinidad and Tobago, Article 49
Verified: 2015/05/21
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: Senators are directly appointed by the President.
Source: Constitution of Trinidad and Tobago, Article 40 [1]
Verified: 2015/05/21
ES020
Question: Regarding Chamber 1 elections (excluding advance voting, postal voting, etc):
Answer:
a . Voting takes place on one day
Comments:
Source: http://www.ipu.org/parline-e/parlinesearch.asp
Verified: 2015/05/21
ES021
Question: Regarding Chamber 2 elections (excluding advance voting, postal voting, etc):
Answer:
c . Not applicable
Comments: Senators are directly appointed by the President.
Source: Constitution of Trinidad and Tobago, Article 40 [1]
Verified: 2015/05/21
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
Comments:
Source: Constitution: “Constitution of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago”, Section 73: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/TT/trinidad-and-tobago-constitution-2016/ ;
Electoral Law: “Representation of the People Act”: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/TT/trinidad-and-tobago-rop-2016/ ;
Law for local government elections: “Elections and Boundaries Commission (Local Government) Act”: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/TT/trinidad-and-tobago-elections-and-boundaries/
Verified: 2021/11/23
LF002
Question: What is the date of the latest version of the national electoral law (including latest amendments)?
Answer:
a . January 2000 or later
Comments: The Constitution (Amendment) Bill, 2014
Source: The Constitution (Amendment) Bill, 2014
Verified: 2015/05/21
LF003
Electoral Law covers
Question: The national electoral law covers:
Answer(s):
a . National elections c . Local elections
Comments:
Source: Constitution: “Constitution of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago”, Section 29‒32, 73: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/TT/trinidad-and-tobago-constitution-2016/ ;
Electoral Law: “Representation of the People Act”: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/TT/trinidad-and-tobago-rop-2016/ ;
Law for local government elections: “Elections and Boundaries Commission (Local Government) Act”: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/TT/trinidad-and-tobago-elections-and-boundaries/
Verified: 2021/11/23
LF004
Compulsory/voluntary voting
Question: Is voting on the national level voluntary or compulsory?
Answer(s):
a . Voting is voluntary
Comments:
Source: International IDEA Voter Turnout Database: https://www.idea.int/data-tools/data/voter-turnout/compulsory-voting
Verified: 2021/11/23
LF007
Electoral Disputes Agency(ies)
Question: What are the agency(ies) responsible for the first level of formal electoral disputes?
Answer(s):
a . Judiciary
Comments: The Court of Appeal shall have exclusive jurisdiction to hear and determine any question as to the validity of an election of a President in so far as that question depends upon the qualification of any person for election or the interpretation of this Chapter and the decision of that Court under this subsection shall be final.
Source: Electoral Law: “Representation of the People Act”, Section 106: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/TT/trinidad-and-tobago-rop-2016/
Verified: 2021/11/23
LF008
Question: If the agency(ies) which settles formal disputes is/are specially appointed/elected; by whom?
Answer(s):
a . President
Comments: The Chief Justice shall be appointed by the President after consultation with the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition.
Source: Constitution of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago Article 101
Verified: 2015/05/21
LF010
Question: What body(ies) is the final appellate authority for formal electoral disputes?
Answer(s):
b . Constitutional (or similar) Court
Comments: An appeal shall lie from decisions of the Court of Appeal to the Judicial Committee with the leave of the Court of Appeal in the following cases:
(a) decisions in any civil proceedings; where in the opinion of the Court of Appeal the question involved in the appeal is one that, by reason of its great general or public importance or otherwise, ought to be submitted to the Judicial Committee; and
(b) such other cases as may be prescribed.
Source: Constitution of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago Article 109 [2]
Verified: 2015/05/21
Electoral Management
EM002
Responsibility of national EMB
Question: Does the national electoral body have the responsibility for elections at:
Answer(s):
a . National level c . Local level
Comments: The registration of voters and the conduct of elections in every constituency shall be subject to the direction and supervision of the Commission.
Source: Constitution: “Constitution of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago”, Section 71(11): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/TT/trinidad-and-tobago-constitution-2016/ ;
Electoral Law: “Representation of the People Act”: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/TT/trinidad-and-tobago-rop-2016/ ;
Law for local government elections: “Elections and Boundaries Commission (Local Government) Act”: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/TT/trinidad-and-tobago-elections-and-boundaries/
Verified: 2020/08/22
EM003
Question: The national electoral management body reports to:
Answer(s):
a . The President b . The Prime Minister c . The legislature
Comments: The Commission shall, in accordance with the provisions of this section, review the number and boundaries of the constituencies into which Trinidad and Tobago is divided and submit to the Prime Minister and the Speaker for presentation to
the House of Representatives in accordance with this section reports
Source: Constitution of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago Article 72 [1]
Verified: 2015/05/21
EM004
EMB budget determined by
Question: The budget of the national electoral management body is determined by:
Answer(s):
c . The legislature d . A national government department
Comments: The Minister of Finance is responsible for presenting the estimates of revenues and expenditures before the House of Representatives. All expenses under the Representation of the People Act are appropriated out of Trinidad and Tobago’s Consolidated Fund.
Source: Constitution: “Constitution of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago”, Section 71(11), 112 & 113: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/TT/trinidad-and-tobago-constitution-2016/ ;
Electoral Law: “Representation of the People Act”, Section 160: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/TT/trinidad-and-tobago-rop-2016/
Verified: 2020/08/22
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: The Auditor General for Trinidad and Tobago.
Source: Constitution: “Constitution of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago”, Section 116: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/TT/trinidad-and-tobago-constitution-2016/ ;
Electoral Law: “Representation of the People Act”, Section 160: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/TT/trinidad-and-tobago-rop-2016/
Verified: 2020/08/22
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: 5 years, although members can be reappointed.
Source: Constitution: “Constitution of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago”, Section 71(5): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/TT/trinidad-and-tobago-constitution-2016/
Verified: 2020/08/22
EM007
Question: The national electoral management body chairperson, or equivalent, is chosen in the following way:
Answer(s):
d . Presidential/ Prime Minister appointment
Comments: The Chairman and other members of the Commission shall be appointed by the President, after consultation with the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition.
Source: Constitution of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, art. 71:3
Verified: 2015/05/21
EM012
Electoral Management model
Question: What is the Electoral Management model?
Answer:
b . Independent
Comments:
Source: Constitution: “Constitution of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago”, Section 71(12): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/TT/trinidad-and-tobago-constitution-2016/
Verified: 2020/08/22
EM013
Number of EMB members
Question: The EMB is composed of:
Answer:
a . 1 - 10 members (specify)
Comments: 3-5 members
Source: Constitution: “Constitution of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago”, Section 71(2): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/TT/trinidad-and-tobago-constitution-2016/
Verified: 2020/08/22
EM014
Membership based on
Question: The EMB members/commissioners are selected on the basis of their:
Answer:
c . Combination of partisanship and expertise
Comments:
Source: Constitution: “Constitution of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago”, Section 71(3): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/TT/trinidad-and-tobago-constitution-2016/
Verified: 2020/08/22
EM015
Question: The EMB members/commissioners are selected by:
Answer(s):
a . Head of State b . Head of Government d . Opposition
Comments: The members are appointed by the President after consultation with the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition.
Source: Constitution: “Constitution of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago”, Section 71(3): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/TT/trinidad-and-tobago-constitution-2016/
Verified: 2020/08/22
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 k . Other
Comments: The Public Education and Public Relations (PEPRU) Department of the Elections and Boundaries Commission (EBC) receives the co-operation of Government Ministries and other agencies in the State sector, as well as private sector organizations such as financial institutions. For example, some of the Commission’s information materials are disseminated via the route of posters, brochures and intranet facilities in the workplace of several of these organizations.
Source: Elections and Boundaries Commission website (2020): https://www.ebctt.com/services/public-education/ ;
The Commonwealth Observer Group, Final Report for the 7 September 2015 Parliamentary Elections: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/TT/trinidad-and-tobago-cog-final-report-2015/
Verified: 2020/08/22
VE002
Frequency of voter education programs
Question: At the national level, how often are voter education programs conducted?
Answer:
a . Continuously
Comments: The Public Education and Public Relations (PEPRU) Department of the Elections and Boundaries Commission (EBC) receives the co-operation of Government Ministries and other agencies in the State sector, as well as private sector organizations such as financial institutions. For example, some of the Commission’s information materials are disseminated via the route of posters, brochures and intranet facilities in the workplace of several of these organizations.
Source: Elections and Boundaries Commission website (2020): https://www.ebctt.com/services/public-education/ ;
The Commonwealth Observer Group, Final Report for the 7 September 2015 Parliamentary Elections: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/TT/trinidad-and-tobago-cog-final-report-2015/
Verified: 2020/08/22
VE003
National civic education
Question: Is there a national civic education campaign (rights and responsibilities of citizens)?
Answer(s):
b . Yes, conducted by the National Electoral Management Body l . Other
Comments: The Public Education and Public Relations (PEPRU) Department of the Elections and Boundaries Commission (EBC) receives the co-operation of Government Ministries and other agencies in the State sector, as well as private sector organizations such as financial institutions. For example, some of the Commission’s information materials are disseminated via the route of posters, brochures and intranet facilities in the workplace of several of these organizations.
Source: Elections and Boundaries Commission website (2020): https://www.ebctt.com/services/public-education/ ;
The Commonwealth Observer Group, Final Report for the 7 September 2015 Parliamentary Elections: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/TT/trinidad-and-tobago-cog-final-report-2015/
Verified: 2020/08/22
VE004
Question: What types of voter education activities were carried out at the most recent national elections?
Answer(s):
a . Poster/ Billboard campaigns
Comments:
Source: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/TT/trinidad-and-tobago-the-voting-process-poster/view
Verified: 2015/05/21
Voter Registration
VR001
Voting age
Question: What is the legal voting age in the national elections?
Answer:
c . 18
Comments:
Source: Constitution: “Constitution of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago”, Section 51: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/TT/trinidad-and-tobago-constitution-2016/ ;
Electoral Law: “Representation of the People Act”, Section 12: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/TT/trinidad-and-tobago-rop-2016/
Verified: 2020/08/22
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: A citizen of Trinidad and Tobago must have a period of residence of at least two months in an electoral district before the beginning of the electoral registration. Commonwealth citizens must have resided in Trinidad and Tobago for at least one year.
Source: Constitution: “Constitution of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago”, Section 51: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/TT/trinidad-and-tobago-constitution-2016/ ;
Electoral Law: “Representation of the People Act”, Section 12: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/TT/trinidad-and-tobago-rop-2016/
Verified: 2020/08/22
VR003
Question: What restrictions on registering to vote and voting exist in the country?
Answer(s):
i . Not applicable
Comments: A person shall be qualified to vote at an election of members to serve in the House of Representatives if, and shall not be qualified to vote at such an election unless, he—
(a) is a Commonwealth citizen (within the meaning of section 18) of the age of eighteen years or upwards; and
(b) has such other qualifications regarding residence or registration as may be prescribed.
Source: Constitution of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, art. 51
Verified: 2015/05/21
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 Elections and Boundaries Commission
Source: Constitution: “Constitution of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago”, Section 71(11): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/TT/trinidad-and-tobago-constitution-2016/ ;
Electoral Law: “Representation of the People Act”, Section 16: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/TT/trinidad-and-tobago-rop-2016/
Verified: 2020/08/22
VR005
Question: What is the registration method for national elections?
Answer:
b . Voters register
Comments:
Source: http://www.ttconnect.gov.tt/gortt/portal/ttconnect/!ut/p/a1/jdDBCoJAEAbgp_HqjIqW3QzMzCg0Kt1LaGyroa6oaY-feRPLmtsM3w8_AwR8IHnYJCysE56H6Xsn2sVxZVRtXcG9izrKni2ZqDqKtdM6EAyAZ606YKrS2jkpiPhfHr-M8TN_oDmcgUyy5WwExjV7MNFjA4SlPOp_Ehh5pMwZkJLeaElL8VF257iui2ohoIBt24qMc5ZS8cozAT9FYl7V4A8lFNnRf9p3NW22xguhC6ui/dl5/d5/L2dBISEvZ0FBIS9nQSEh/?WCM_GLOBAL_CONTEXT=/gortt/wcm/connect/gortt+web+content/ttconnect/citizen/topic/governmentandpolitics/elections/registering+to+vote
Verified: 2015/05/21
VR006
Question: How frequently is the voters register updated?
Answer:
c . Periodically (or before each election)
Comments:
Source: http://www.ttconnect.gov.tt/gortt/portal/ttconnect/!ut/p/a1/jdDBCoJAEAbgp_HqjIqW3QzMzCg0Kt1LaGyroa6oaY-feRPLmtsM3w8_AwR8IHnYJCysE56H6Xsn2sVxZVRtXcG9izrKni2ZqDqKtdM6EAyAZ606YKrS2jkpiPhfHr-M8TN_oDmcgUyy5WwExjV7MNFjA4SlPOp_Ehh5pMwZkJLeaElL8VF257iui2ohoIBt24qMc5ZS8cozAT9FYl7V4A8lFNnRf9p3NW22xguhC6ui/dl5/d5/L2dBISEvZ0FBIS9nQSEh/?WCM_GLOBAL_CONTEXT=/gortt/wcm/connect/gortt+web+content/ttconnect/citizen/topic/governmentandpolitics/elections/registering+to+vote
Verified: 2015/05/21
VR007
Question: What methods are used to compile and update the voters register?
Answer(s):
e . Appearance by voter at registration office
Comments:
Source: http://www.ttconnect.gov.tt/gortt/portal/ttconnect/!ut/p/a1/jdDBCoJAEAbgp_HqjIqW3QzMzCg0Kt1LaGyroa6oaY-feRPLmtsM3w8_AwR8IHnYJCysE56H6Xsn2sVxZVRtXcG9izrKni2ZqDqKtdM6EAyAZ606YKrS2jkpiPhfHr-M8TN_oDmcgUyy5WwExjV7MNFjA4SlPOp_Ehh5pMwZkJLeaElL8VF257iui2ohoIBt24qMc5ZS8cozAT9FYl7V4A8lFNnRf9p3NW22xguhC6ui/dl5/d5/L2dBISEvZ0FBIS9nQSEh/?WCM_GLOBAL_CONTEXT=/gortt/wcm/connect/gortt+web+content/ttconnect/citizen/topic/governmentandpolitics/elections/registering+to+vote
Verified: 2015/05/21
VR008
Is it compulsory to be on the voters register?
Question: Is it compulsory to be on the voters register?
Answer:
b . No
Comments: Persons must register to be eligible to vote, but a person not registered is not subject to any penalty.
Source: Electoral Law: “Representation of the People Act”, Section 16(3): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/TT/trinidad-and-tobago-rop-2016/
Verified: 2020/08/22
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):
d . No registration required
Comments: Political parties can request the Elections and Boundaries Commission in writing to assign them a symbol to be used in the ballots, for which they must provide the name of the political party, the name and contact details of a responsible person in the party, as well as the name and description of the symbol.
Source: Electoral Law: “Representation of the People Act”, Election Rules, Section 23: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/TT/trinidad-and-tobago-rop-2016/ ;
Elections and Boundaries Commission website: https://www.ebctt.com/services/assigning-political-party-symbols/
Verified: 2020/08/22
PC002
Registration requirements for parties (Chamber 2)
Question: What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 2)?
Answer(s):
h . Not applicable
Comments: Senators are directly appointed by President.
Source: Constitution of Trinidad and Tobago, Article 40
Verified: 2015/05/22
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 j . Other
Comments: A person shall be qualified to be elected as a member of the House of Representatives if... s/he is a citizen of Trinidad and Tobago of the age of 18 years or upwards and has resided in Trinidad and Tobago for a period of 2 years immediately before the date of his nomination for election or is domiciled and resident in Trinidad and Tobago at that date. Every candidate must be nominated by 6 or more persons who are registered electors, and an amount of 5,000 TTD must be deposited.
Source: Constitution: “Constitution of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago”, Section 47: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/TT/trinidad-and-tobago-constitution-2016/ ;
Electoral Law: “Representation of the People Act”, Election Rules, Section 7, 9: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/TT/trinidad-and-tobago-rop-2016/
Verified: 2020/08/22
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
Comments: a) 25 years
Source: IPU Parline Database:
http://www.ipu.org/parline-e/reports/2319.htm
Verified: 2015/05/22
PC005
Question: What are the legal qualifications for becoming a candidate at presidential elections?
Answer(s):
a . Age b . Citizenship d . Residence
Comments: A person is qualified to be nominated for election as President if, and is not so qualified unless, he is a citizen of Trinidad and Tobago of the age of thirty-five years or upwards who at the date of his nomination has been ordinarily resident in Trinidad and Tobago for ten years immediately preceding his nomination.
Source: Constitution of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, art. 23
Verified: 2015/05/22
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 l . Multiple Citizenship n . Holding of other public offices (police etc.)
Comments: Note: Criminal Record in this case is only applicable if it's a death sentence.
Source: Constitution of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, art. 48
Verified: 2015/05/22
PC007
Question: What can disqualify a candidate at presidential 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 l . Multiple Citizenship n . Holding of other public offices (police etc.)
Comments: A person is not qualified to be nominated for election as President who is disqualified for election as a memeber of the House of Representatives by virtue of section 48(1) or any law made under section 48(2).
Source: Constitution of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, art. 23 [2, 3]
Verified: 2015/05/22
PC008
Independent candidates
Question: Can independent candidates compete in presidential or legislative elections?
Answer(s):
e . In both presidential and legislative elections
Comments: A candidate for President must be nominated by twelve or more members of the House of Representatives. A candidate for the House of Representatives must be nominated by six or more citizens.
Source: Constitution: “Constitution of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago”, Section 30(a): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/TT/trinidad-and-tobago-constitution-2016/ ;
Electoral Law: “Representation of the People Act”, Election Rules, Section 7: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/TT/trinidad-and-tobago-rop-2016/ ;
Verified: 2020/08/22
PC009
Question: If independent candidates can compete in legislative elections (Chamber 1), what are the registration requirements?
Answer(s):
a . Signature requirement (specify) d . Other
Comments: Any person seeking to be a candidate at an election must be nominated by at least six (6) persons who are registered electors and whose names appear on the list of electors for the electoral district in which the candidate is seeking nomination.
Source: http://ebctt.com/ourOperations.php
Verified: 2015/05/22
PC010
Question: If independent candidates can compete in legislative elections (Chamber 2), what are the registration requirements?
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments: Senators are directly appointed by President.
Source: Constitution of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, Article 40.
Verified: 2015/05/22
PC011
Question: If independent candidates can compete in presidential elections, what are the registration requirements?
Answer(s):
a . Signature requirement (specify) d . Other
Comments: A person shall not be a condidate for election as President unless he is nominated for election by a nomination paper which-
a. is signed by him and by twelve or more members of the House of Representatives; and
b. is delivered to the Speaker at least seven days before the election.
Source: Constitution of Trinidad and Tobago, Article 30
Verified: 2015/05/22
PC012
Public funding of parties
Question: Do political parties receive direct/indirect public funding?
Answer(s):
a . No
Comments:
Source: International IDEA: Political Finance Database: https://www.idea.int/data-tools/country-view/288/55
Verified: 2020/08/22
PC013
Question: If political parties receive direct/indirect public funding, when do they receive this?
Answer(s):
d . Not Applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2015/05/22
PC014
Question: If political parties receive indirect public funding, identify the type of funding:
Answer(s):
e . Not Applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2015/05/22
PC015
Question: What is the basis of the public funding?
Answer(s):
g . Not applicable
Comments: There is no public funding of political parties.
Source: International IDEA: Political Finance Database: https://www.idea.int/data-tools/country-view/288/55
Verified: 2020/08/22
PC016
Question: If political parties receive public funding, what is the specified purpose?
Answer(s):
e . Not Applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2015/05/22
PC017
Question: Are political parties entitled to private funding?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law: “Representation of the People Act”, Section 45(3): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/TT/trinidad-and-tobago-rop-2016/
Verified: 2020/08/22
PC019
Question: Which of the following party financing provisions are applicable?
Answer(s):
a . Public disclosure of party contributions received h . Publication or public access to contribution and / or expenditure reports
Comments:
Source: http://www.idea.int/political-finance/country.cfm?id=224
Verified: 2015/05/22
PC020
Question: Which of the following candidate financing provisions are applicable?
Answer(s):
a . Public disclosure of candidate contributions received b . Public disclosure of candidate expenditure e . Ceilings on candidate election expenses h . Publication or public access to contribution and / or expenditure reports
Comments:
Source: http://www.idea.int/political-finance/country.cfm?id=224
Verified: 2015/05/22
PC021
Question: Who is responsible for administering and enforcing party income/funding regulations at national level?
Answer(s):
a . National Electoral Management body
Comments: 52. (1) Within forty-two days after the day on which the result of the election is declared, the election agent of every candidate at the election shall transmit to the Chief Election Officer a true return in the form set out as Form No. 4 in the Prescribed Forms Rules containing, as respects that candidate, a statement of all payments made by the election agent together with all the bills and receipts." (Quoted from Representation of the People Act, section 52)
Source: Representation of the People Act, Chapter 2:01
Verified: 2015/05/22
Vote Counting
VC001
Question: What are the characteristics of ballots used at national legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):
d . Categorical (only one mark allowed) f . Same ballot papers used nationwide h . Party symbols in color m . Organized alphabetically o . Ballots signed or otherwise authenticated by polling station official
Comments:
Source: Representation of the People Act, 2013. "Election Rules," Part II, Rule 22.
Verified: 2015/05/22
VC002
Question: What are the characteristics of ballots used at national legislative elections (Chamber 2)?
Answer(s):
s . Not applicable
Comments: Direct appointment of Senators by President
Source: Constitution of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, Article 40
Verified: 2015/05/22
VC003
Question: What are the characteristics of ballots used at presidential elections?
Answer(s):
a . Single ballot (all registered parties/candidates listed)
Comments: NOTE: Voting done by electoral college, not citizens.
Source: Constitution of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, Article 31
Verified: 2015/05/22
VC004
Votes are sorted/counted at
Question: Following the close of the voting, where are the votes first sorted and counted?
Answer:
a . The polling stations
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law: “Representation of the People Act”, Election Rules, Section 97: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/TT/trinidad-and-tobago-rop-2016/
Verified: 2020/08/22
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 e . Number of ballots reconciled against ballots initially received (minus spoilt and unused) l . Counted by hand
Comments:
Source: Representation of the People Act, 2013. "Election Rules," Part V.
Verified: 2015/05/22
VC006
Question: Following the sorting and counting, to where are the results first transmitted for consolidation?
Answer(s):
a . Polling centre (several polling stations in same building)
Comments:
Source: Representation of the People Act, 2013. "Election Rules," Part V.
Verified: 2015/05/22
VC008
Question: How are the initial/preliminary polling results transmitted and communicated to the different levels?
Answer(s):
a . Physically transported
Comments:
Source: Representation of the People Act, 2013. "Election Rules," Part V.
Verified: 2015/05/22
VC009
Question: If the polling results are physically transported, what is transported?
Answer(s):
a . Ballots b . Unused and spoiled ballots f . Certificate of result g . Ballot boxes
Comments:
Source: Representation of the People Act, 2013. "Election Rules," Part IV, Rule 98.
Verified: 2015/05/22
VC010
Question: If the polling results are physically transported, what security measures are used?
Answer(s):
b . Tamper proof bags c . Signatures on sealed envelopes d . Transported in boxes sealed with numbered seals e . Accompanied by election officials h . Accompanied by police or other security personnel
Comments:
Source: Representation of the People Act, 2013. "Election Rules," Part IV, Rule 97.
Verified: 2015/05/22
VC011
When are ballots recounted?
Question: Under what conditions are ballots recounted?
Answer(s):
c . Automatically (triggered) recounted under certain conditions d . By request e . Court order
Comments: If there is an equal number of votes for the candidates with most votes, a recount is triggered.
Source: Electoral Law: “Representation of the People Act”, Election Rules, Section 101, 106: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/TT/trinidad-and-tobago-rop-2016/
Verified: 2020/08/22
VC012
Question: If automatically recounted, what is the trigger?
Answer:
c . Legislative formula or regulation
Comments: If there is an equal number of votes for multiple candidates, a recount is triggered.
Source: Representation of the People Act, art 100
Verified: 2015/05/22
VC013
Question: If ballots are recounted by request, who can make the request?
Answer(s):
b . An individual candidate f . Other
Comments: A candidate for an electoral district or his agent may, within four days of the declaration of the poll under rule 104, apply in writing to the Chief Election Officer for a check of the results of the poll for that electoral district.
Source: Representation of the People Act, 2013. "Election Rules," Part IV, Rule 106.
Verified: 2015/05/22
VC014
Question: If recounted, who conducts the recount?
Answer(s):
a . National Election Management body
Comments: The Chief Election Officer or the other Officer conducting the check shall certify the results thereof to the Returning Officer.
Source: Representation of the People Act, 2013. "Election Rules," Part IV, Rule 106.
Verified: 2015/05/22
VC015
Question: Are preliminary results announced?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: The Returning Officer shall, as soon as he shall have ascertained the result of the poll, forthwith publicly declare the same and announce the candidate for whom most votes have been given to be elected as the member for the electoral district.
Source: Representation of the People Act, 2013. "Election Rules," Part IV, Rule 104.
Verified: 2015/05/22
VC016
If preliminary results are announced, how long after the close of polls is this done?
After the Returning Officer has received the duplicates of the Statements of the Poll from the Presiding Officers of all the polling stations in his electoral district, he shall announce the total votes recorded for each candidate in the said statements.
Source
Representation of the People Act, 2013. "Election Rules," Part IV, Rule 100.
Verified
2015/05/22
VC017
Question: Is there a legal requirement for the declaration of the officially certified results?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: The Returning Officer shall, as soon as he shall have ascertained the result of the poll, forthwith publicly declare the same and announce the candidate for whom most votes have been given to be elected as the member for the electoral district.
Source: Representation of the People Act, 2013. "Election Rules," Part IV, Rule 104.
Verified: 2015/05/22
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):
i . Not applicable
Comments: There is no allocation of free broadcast time or free printed advertisement space to political parties.
Source: Electoral Law: “Representation of the People Act”: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/TT/trinidad-and-tobago-rop-2016/
Verified: 2020/08/22
ME059
Television debates
Question: Are televised debates between candidates or party representatives normally conducted?
Answer(s):
c . No
Comments: The Trinidad and Tobago Debates Commission was created in April 2010 as an independent, autonomous, not for profit organisation. Has successfully organised debates for Local Government and Tobago House of Assembly Elections; however, no debates for General Elections have taken place.
Source: Debates International, Trinidad & Tobago Debates Commission: https://www.debatesinternational.org/partner/trinidad-tobago-debates-commission/
Verified: 2020/08/22
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: 2020/08/22
ME080
Question: Is there a maximum amount that a political party is permitted to spend on paid advertising during a campaign period?
Answer:
b . No
Comments: The overall limit to expenditures by individual candidates, rather than political parties, amounts to TTD 50,000.
Source: Electoral Law: “Representation of the People Act”, Section 48: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/TT/trinidad-and-tobago-rop-2016/
Verified: 2020/08/22
Direct Democracy
DD001
Please provide information about the person completing the questionnaire.
Name and Title: Carlos Navarro
Job Title: Director of Electoral Studies
Organisation: Federal Electoral Institute
Contact Address. Viaducto Tlalpan 100, Arenal Tepepan, Mexico City, 14610
Telephone: (5255) 5628-4234
Facsimile: (5255) 5655-7012
Email: [email protected]
Source
No Source
Verified
2009/09/03
DD002
Direct Democracy Provisions (National Level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Direct Democracy Procedures at the national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution: “Constitution of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago”: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/TT/trinidad-and-tobago-constitution-2016/ ;
Electoral Law: “Representation of the People Act”: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/TT/trinidad-and-tobago-rop-2016/
Verified: 2020/08/22
DD003
Mandatory referendums (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Mandatory Referendums at the national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution: “Constitution of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago”: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/TT/trinidad-and-tobago-constitution-2016/ ;
Electoral Law: “Representation of the People Act”: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/TT/trinidad-and-tobago-rop-2016/
Verified: 2020/08/22
DD004
Optional referendums (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Optional Referendums at the national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution: “Constitution of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago”: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/TT/trinidad-and-tobago-constitution-2016/ ;
Electoral Law: “Representation of the People Act”: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/TT/trinidad-and-tobago-rop-2016/
Verified: 2020/08/22
DD005
Citizens' Initiatives (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Citizen’s Initiatives at national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution: “Constitution of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago”: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/TT/trinidad-and-tobago-constitution-2016/ ;
Electoral Law: “Representation of the People Act”: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/TT/trinidad-and-tobago-rop-2016/
Verified: 2020/08/22
DD006
Agenda Initiatives (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Agenda Initiatives at national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution: “Constitution of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago”: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/TT/trinidad-and-tobago-constitution-2016/ ;
Electoral Law: “Representation of the People Act”: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/TT/trinidad-and-tobago-rop-2016/
Verified: 2020/08/22
DD007
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Recalls at national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution: “Constitution of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago”: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/TT/trinidad-and-tobago-constitution-2016/ ;
Electoral Law: “Representation of the People Act”: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/TT/trinidad-and-tobago-rop-2016/
Verified: 2020/08/22
DD008
Question: What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for mandatory referendums at the national level? Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2015/05/22
DD009
Question: What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for optional referendums at the national level? Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2015/05/22
DD010
Question: What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for citizens' initiatives at the national level? Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2015/05/22
DD011
Question: What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for agenda initiatives at the national level? Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2015/05/22
DD012
Question: What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for recalls at the national level? Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2015/05/22
DD017
Question: Are mandatory referendums currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
Answer:
c . No
Comments:
Source: 1976 Constitution with reforms through 2000.
Verified: 2015/05/22
DD018
Question: Are optional referendums currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
Answer:
c . No
Comments:
Source: 1976 Constitution with reforms through 2000.
Verified: 2015/05/22
DD019
Question: Are citizens' initiatives currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
Answer:
c . No
Comments:
Source: 1976 Constitution with reforms through 2000.
Verified: 2015/05/22
DD020
Question: Are agenda initiatives currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
Answer:
c . No
Comments:
Source: 1976 Constitution with reforms through 2000.
Verified: 2015/05/22
DD021
Question: Are recalls currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
Answer:
c . No
Comments:
Source: 1976 Constitution with reforms through 2000.
Verified: 2015/05/22
DD022
Question: Are mandatory referendums currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
Answer:
c . No
Comments:
Source: 1976 Constitution with reforms through 2000.
Verified: 2015/05/22
DD023
Question: Are optional referendums currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
Answer:
c . No
Comments:
Source: 1976 Constitution with reforms through 2000.
Verified: 2015/05/22
DD024
Question: Are citizens' initiatives currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
Answer:
c . No
Comments:
Source: 1976 Constitution with reforms through 2000.
Verified: 2015/05/22
DD025
Question: Are agenda initiatives currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
Answer:
c . No
Comments:
Source: 1976 Constitution with reforms through 2000.
Verified: 2015/05/22
DD026
Question: Are recalls currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
Answer:
c . No
Comments:
Source: 1976 Constitution with reforms through 2000.
Verified: 2015/05/22
DD129
Question: Are the results of referenda always binding, never binding or sometimes binding?
Answer:
e . Not applicable
Comments: There are no legal provisions in this regard.
Source: Constitution: “Constitution of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago”: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/TT/trinidad-and-tobago-constitution-2016/ ;
Electoral Law: “Representation of the People Act”: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/TT/trinidad-and-tobago-rop-2016/
Verified: 2020/08/22
DD130
Question: Are the types of issues to vote upon in a referendum constitutional changes only, other issues only or both constitutional and other issues?
Answer:
e . Not applicable
Comments: There are no legal provisions in this regard.
Source: Constitution: “Constitution of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago”: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/TT/trinidad-and-tobago-constitution-2016/ ;
Electoral Law: “Representation of the People Act”: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/TT/trinidad-and-tobago-rop-2016/
Verified: 2020/08/22
DD131
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Direct Democracy at sub-national levels (regional or local)?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution: “Constitution of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago”: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/TT/trinidad-and-tobago-constitution-2016/ ;
Electoral Law: “Representation of the People Act”: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/TT/trinidad-and-tobago-rop-2016/
Verified: 2020/08/22
DD132
Year of introducing Direct Democracy
Question: What year were the first Direct Democracy mechanisms introduced to the legal framework?
Answer:
h . No information available
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2015/05/22
DD133
Question: What year was the first referendum/initiative held?
Answer:
i . Not applicable
Comments: There have not been any referenda.
Source: IFES Election Guide
Verified: 2015/05/22
Voting Operations
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: Electoral Law: “Representation of the People Act”, Election Rules, Section 36: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/TT/trinidad-and-tobago-rop-2016/
Verified: 2020/08/22
VO004
Voting outside the country is permitted for
Question: Who can vote from outside the country?
Answer(s):
a . Outside the country voting is not permitted
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law: “Representation of the People Act”: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/TT/trinidad-and-tobago-rop-2016/
Verified: 2020/08/22
VO005
Locations for voting outside of the country
Question: If voting outside the country is permitted, at what places?
Answer(s):
h . Not applicable
Comments: Outside the country voting is not permitted.
Source: Electoral Law: “Representation of the People Act”: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/TT/trinidad-and-tobago-rop-2016/
Verified: 2020/08/22
VO006
Question: Can people vote in advance of the designated national election day(s)?
Answer:
b . Yes
Comments:
Source: Representation of the People Act, Article 78
Verified: 2015/05/21
VO007
Question: If electors can vote in advance of the designated national election day(s), how may they do so?
Answer(s):
a . At special advance polling centers
Comments:
Source: Representation of the People Act, Article 73 [1]
Verified: 2015/05/21
VO008
Question: If electors can vote in advance of the designated national election day(s), specify who:
Answer(s):
b . Disabled persons c . People in remote areas d . People in hospitals e . People in prison f . Other
Comments:
Source: Representation of the People Act, Article 59
Verified: 2015/05/21
VO009
Question: Is there a maximum allowable voter capacity of a polling station for the national elections?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2015/05/21
VO011
Voting method
Question: How do electors cast their votes?
Answer(s):
a . Manually marking of ballots
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law: “Representation of the People Act”, Election Rules, Section 46: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/TT/trinidad-and-tobago-rop-2016/
Verified: 2020/08/22
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