This Preliminary Statement by the Anguilla Independent Citizens Observers (AICO) outlines key findings and initial evaluation of the concluded by-elections for District 3 Valley North. A final report will be issued by 14 June, 2022. The final report will include additional findings up to the declaration and certification of elections results by the Supervisor of Elections.
The role of the Anguilla Independent Citizen Observers (AICO) was to observe and evaluate Advance Voting on May 23 and the by-Election of District 3 – Valley North on May 24, 2022. On April 29, 2022, Her Excellency the Governor Dileeni Daniel Selvaratnam asked Mr. Allister Richardson and Mr. Rodwell Grant to lead a team of (10) observers to observe the by- elections for District 3 Valley North.
The core team, inclusive of Mr. Richardson and Mr. Grant, were responsible for the overall management and implementation of the local mission and its adherence to non-partisanship. The team was diverse in its composition. Observers were selected from various electoral districts except district three in accordance with the regulations. The Core Team worked in partnership with an international non-partisan consultant on citizens observations.
PRE ELECTION – Before advance voting and Election Day, the Core Team observed the public testing of 5 voting machines, and attended a public training on how to use the machines on Election Day. Although these activities were streamed live, public attendance to witness the simulation exercise was extremely poor. The Core Team also met with the three candidates and the Supervisor of Elections individually.
ADVANCE POLLING – On May 23 2022, the Core Team observed the conduct of Advance Polling at the House of Assembly. Advance Polling was designed to accommodate the elderly, people with disability, frontline workers and emergency personnel. All electoral officers were present during the voting, and voting processes proceeded according to legislation, as described in the Electoral Act. The Supervisor of Elections, his deputy and electoral officers acted with care, professionalism and sensitivity towards voters with challenges.
ELECTION DAY – Two observers were deployed to each of the 4 polling stations at the Orealia Kelly Primary School. This early deployment allowed observers to witness the opening procedures and to gather relevant information from the Returning Officer. A total of 2182 voters were registered to vote in District Three – Valley North.
The following were observations made by the Anguilla Independent Citizens Observers (AICO) on elections day. Polling was calm, orderly and transparent. The Royal Anguilla Police Force was professional in the execution of their duties. Most candidates complied with the rules and regulations set out by the Central Electoral Office. All party supporters and camps were beyond the perimeters set out by the electoral office. There was a strong media presence during polling, the counting and tallying of votes at the House of Assembly. Although there were several minor infractions, the most core democratic principles for elections were upheld. A detailed report on these infractions will form part of the final report by June 14, 2022.
The results for the By-Election in District 3 -Valley North were as follows:
Candidate Votes Cast
APM Party – Mr. Courtney Morton 194
AUF Party – Mrs. Shellya Rogers-Webster 632
Independent – Dr. Lanny Hobson 163
Ms. Laureen Bryan, Returning Officer for District 3 Valley North, declared AUF Candidate, Mrs. Shellya Rogers-Webster, as the winner of the By-Election in District 3 -Valley North on the evening of 24 May 2022.
The Anguilla Independent Citizens Observers (AICO) is independent from the Governor’s Office, the Government of Anguilla and any political party or candidate. Although this observation is supported by the Governor’s Office, the Governor’s Office had no involvement in AICO observational duties and findings, and no editorial role in any public statement issued by AICO.
For more information: Mr. Allister Richardson 1-264-497-4322 allister.richardson@gmail.com
