Caymanian electoral system referendum, 2012

Cayman Islands
This article is part of a series on the
politics and government of
the Cayman Islands

A referendum on changing the electoral system was held in the Cayman Islands on 18 July 2012.[1] Voters were asked whether they wish to change the electoral system from one using multi-member constituencies to one with single member constituencies.[1] Although the proposal was approved by a majority of those voting, the quorum of half of registered voters voting in favour was not met.[2]

Background

The ruling United Democratic Party (UDP) had promised to hold a referendum on the change to the system alongside the general elections in 2013.[1] However, a citizens' initiative group sought an earlier vote so that the new system would be in place for the 2013 elections.[1] The group began collecting the 3,800 signatures required (25% of registered voters) to force a referendum, but as they were close to passing 3,000 signatures, on 11 April 2012 the UDP chose to hold the referendum on an earlier date.[1] On 10 May the Legislative Assembly confirmed the format of the referendum.[1]

Under article 69 of the constitution, a referendum was only binding if a majority of the 15,161 registered voters vote in favour.[1] Voting was held between 07:00 and 18:00,[3] and referendum day was made a public holiday by the government.[4]

Results

Do you support on electoral system of single-member constituencies with each elector being entitled to cast only one vote?[1]
Choice Votes %
For5,63165.23
Against3,00134.77
Invalid/blank votes45–
Total8,677100
Registered voters/turnout15,16157.23
Source: Cayman Elections Office

Aftermath

Although the Elections Office had said that the government should take a majority vote that failed to pass the quorum as advisory,[5] Premier McKeeva Bush announced after the referendum that he would not do so.[6]

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Cayman Islands, 18 July 2012: Elections in one constituency Direct Democracy (German)
  2. ↑ Majority want single member constituencies, but magic number not met Cayman 27, 18 July 2012
  3. ↑ Notification of Referendum 2012 Elections Office
  4. ↑ Chamber against referendum holiday Cayman 27, 21 June 2012
  5. ↑ One man, one vote campaigners not giving up Cayman 27 26 June 2012
  6. ↑ Premier: Results will not be held as advisory Cayman 27, 19 July 2012
This article is issued from Wikipedia - version of the 8/14/2015. The text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share Alike but additional terms may apply for the media files.