The next general election in Anguilla is constitutionally due by 25th April 2015. In light of that fact, The Anguillian sat down with the Supervisor of Elections earlier this week to ascertain what if any preparations were being made. We were delighted to learn that numerous activities were already being undertaken in preparation for elections.
Supervisor of Elections, Aurjul Wilson, was keen to point out that advanced planning was being undertaken in order to alleviate chaos and anxiety once a polling day was announced. To date, some of the activities undertaken include the identification and training of election officers and the appointment of same, sourcing electoral ink, research of the laws as regards renunciation of citizenship in other jurisdictions, updating information on the website, and organizing polling areas and the election materials, in order to achieve a successful event. Credit, she insisted, must be given to the copious and detailed notes and records made readily available and handed over by her predecessor as they relate to the organisation of elections.
The Anguillian took the opportunity to ask specifically about the large number of persons registering to vote so close to the election date, and whether or not there was a cutoff date in order to be able to vote in the next general election. The response from the Supervisor was that: “There is no cutoff date for registration of voters. Registration is continuous. In any given year the registration period is divided into four quarters. Each quarter has approximately 92 days. At the end of each quarter a quarterly list of voters is produced. Currently we are in the first quarter of 2015 and it will end on the 6th of Feb 2015. However, that list is not approved until 31st March 2015. Therefore, persons registering within this quarter will not be eligible to vote if the elections take place before the end of this quarter. Only persons whose names appeared on the list approved as of 31st December 2014 would be eligible to vote.”
When asked about the alleged violations of the election laws by certain candidates, she smiled and acknowledged she too had heard the rumours but, as a trained lawyer was well aware of her role as Supervisor of Elections. As regards Nominations she cautioned that potential candidates and legislators should familiarize themselves with the electoral laws and further ensure that they qualify pursuant to section 36 of the Anguilla Constitution and are not disqualified pursuant to section 37.
Anguilla is expected to host a team of independent election observers funded by the FCO for the 2015 elections. Their activities will include monitoring the media and election campaign, reviewing of the election laws, the Anguilla Constitution and examining the election administration. They will attempt to meet all the key stakeholders as well as attend rallies and meet candidates. Press conferences will be held at the start of their visit and at the end.
