As the country draws nearer to its December 1st general elections, the atmosphere is charged with anticipation.
With eleven independent candidates officially in the running, the upcoming vote promises a competitive contest against the two dominant parties. Behind the scenes, the Electoral Department is intensifying preparations to ensure a smooth, fair, and transparent election.
Herman St Helen, Chief Elections Officer, outlined the strict procedures in place for election day.
“On the night of elections, all boxes are accompanied from the polling station by the presiding officer and an armed policeman. Other agents and poll workers can follow, but it is compulsory that the presiding officer and a policeman ride in the same vehicle to take this box to the returning officer’s office,” he explained.
He added that once the boxes reach the returning officer, they are transported to the nearest police station and securely held overnight. “The next day these boxes are taken back to headquarters, and then if a requirement has to take place, it’s done there,” he said.
St Helen also highlighted the nomination requirements for candidates, particularly independents.
“They must be nominated by six electors within that electoral district. Secondly, they must pay in cash $500. Thirdly, if the candidate is not able to be present, his agent or one of his agents must find the declaration forms indicating that the candidate is out of state and is acting on behalf of that candidate,” he stated.
As political campaigns heat up and voters prepare to make their choices, the Electoral Department’s measures are aimed at maintaining order and protecting the integrity of the vote. With multiple candidates in the race, the coming weeks will test the island’s electoral system and the engagement of its citizens in one of the most closely watched contests in recent memory.