COCKBURN TOWN, Turks and Caicos Islands – Voters in this British Overseas Territory were on Friday casting ballots to elect a new government with both major parties, the ruling Progressive National Party (PNP) and the main opposition People’s Democratic Movement (PDM) confident of victory.
The PNP led by Premier Washington Missick and the PDM led by Opposition Leader, Edwin Astwood, are contesting the new 20 seats at stake in the elections, up from the 15 seats in the National Assembly in 2021.
According to the electoral officials,10 of the 19 members are elected by plurality vote in single member districts. An additional five members are elected by plurality vote in a single statewide district. The remaining four members are appointed, two by the Governor and two through consultation between the Premier and Leader of the Opposition.
Additionally, the Attorney General serves as a non-voting member. All members serve four-year terms.
Voters now have an opportunity to vote for nine at large legislators for the fist time under significant constitutional changes highlighted by the introduction of the DS200 electronic voting machine.
“This is a defining moment for our democracy. On February 7th, the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands will experience an innovative change in how we cast our votes,” Election Training and Education Manager, Tamara Hylton, said during a recent demonstration exercise.
The DS200 electronic tabulating machine, which will be paired with electronic poll books (e-poll books) will help streamline and safeguard the voting process. These tools are designed to replace the manual methods previously used for vote counting and voter identification.
The Department of Elections has conducted multiple rounds of training to ensure that all election workers are well-prepared to use the new technology.
“I understand that any change can create some concerns. However, I’ve personally used this system in other overseas territories like Anguilla, and I can assure you that it is simple, efficient, and accessible for people of all ages,” said Governor Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratna.
The Supervisor of Elections, Lister Lewis, said “in the past, we’ve had to wait for hours after the polls close for results to be tallied.
“With the DS200 machines, you can expect to know the winner by 7:30 pm, just half an hour after the polls close,” he added.
In the 2021 voter turnout was 75 per cent. Just under 10,000 people are eligible to vote in Friday’s election.
The government has announced that all government offices will be closed for the day, but that essential services and border services will remain fully operational throughout the day, ensuring continuity at the ports on all islands.
The Department of Education said that all public primary and secondary schools across Turks and Caicos Islands will be closed to facilitate the conduct of the elections and that regular school operations will resume on Monday, February 10.
