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Candidates & Agents Handbook

Election Handbook
Service & Information Details Sections

Title
Overview of the Election Process

Body

Elections in the Virgin Islands are overseen by the Office of the Supervisor of Elections (OSE) and conducted under the Virgin Islands Constitution and the Elections Act (1994).

  • The House of Assembly (HOA) consists of 13 elected members:
    • 9 district representatives elected from single-member constituencies.
    • 4 at-large representatives elected territory-wide.
  • Elections must be held within 21 to 60 days of the HOA’s dissolution.
  • The OSE ensures the elections are conducted in a free, fair, and transparent manner.
Title
Candidate Eligibility & Voter Registration
Body

To be eligible as a candidate, you must:

  • Be a Virgin Islander, aged 21 or older.
  • Be qualified as a registered voter under the law.

Disqualifications include:

  • Being bankrupt, recently imprisoned, or declared of unsound mind.
  • Holding or acting in a public office at the time of nomination.
  • Having undisclosed government contracts within 14 days of nomination.

Voter Registration Requirements:

  • Must be 18 years or older and deemed to belong to the Virgin Islands.
  • Be domiciled and resident in the Virgin Islands or the US Virgin Islands.
  • Registration is continuous, but temporarily closes before voter list publication.

Supporting documents like a Belonger Card or BVI passport are required to confirm eligibility.

Title
Election Day Procedures

Body

Voting takes place on two days:

  • Advance Polling Day: For the elderly, disabled, election workers, and others who apply in advance.
  • Election Day: Open to the general public.

Polls are open from:

  • 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. on Advance Polling Day
  • 6:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. on Election Day

Voting Requirements:

  • Voters must present a valid voter ID or other government-issued identification.
  • Only individuals listed on the Official List of Voters can vote at their assigned polling station.
  • Voters in line by closing time are allowed to vote.

The Territory uses both manual and electronic tabulation systems (DS200). Ballot boxes and materials are sealed, secured, and transported under supervision to ensure integrity.

Title
Rules, Offences & Complaints

Body

The electoral system has strict rules to maintain fairness. Violations can lead to fines, imprisonment, or disqualification.

Common offences include:

  • Bribery, vote buying, and treating (providing food or drink to influence votes).
  • Impersonation, double voting, or voting in the wrong polling station.
  • Tampering with ballot boxes or election records.
  • Intimidating voters or obstructing election officials.

Complaints and Disputes:

  • Objections to names on the voter list can be submitted using the appropriate form.
  • Formal complaints against election officers must be made to the Supervisor of Elections.
  • Election petitions challenging results must be filed with the High Court within 21–28 days.

Title
Ethical Conduct

Body

All candidates and political parties must follow a strict Code of Conduct that promotes respect, fairness, and non-violence.

Key expectations include:

  • Avoiding threats, violence, or the use of false information during campaigns.
  • Respecting the media, journalists, and the rights of voters.
  • Ensuring campaign practices are transparent and accountable.

Agents and observers representing candidates:

  • Must be accredited by the OSE.
  • Can observe but not interfere with the voting process.
  • Must maintain secrecy and professional behavior at all times.

 

Please Check Document for detail information :-

Candidate Handbook

Contact Information

Office of the Supervisor of Elections - Tortola

Office of the Supervisor of Elections - Tortola

Address: 216 Upper Main Street, Creque Building, Road Town, Tortola, Virgin Islands (British) VG1110

Business Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Email: electionsvi@gov.vg

Telephone: 1(284) 468-4380

Fax: 1(284) 468-2779