BVI purchases new election equipment
|
| Published on Friday, March 30, 2007 |
Email To Friend Print Version |
ROAD TOWN, BVI: The Office of the Supervisor of Elections in the British Virgin Islands has purchased new elections equipment as part of its preparations for general elections this year.
“We have ordered new ballot boxes and voters' booths, which we are hoping would enhance the speed at the poll on Election Day. Those have arrived and we are looking at them and making sure that everything is in order,” Supervisor of Elections Juliette Penn said.
Penn said other preparations include updating the voters' list and the production of new informational brochures, radio announcements and the creation of a special Elections Office page on the Deputy Governor’s Office website.
With elections constitutionally due in the Territory this year, the Supervisor of Elections said that the most important activity underway now is continuous voter registration. “Voting is your duty. It’s a right, and it’s a privilege to be able to vote and I would encourage everyone to register so they can exercise that privilege,” she said.
To be eligible to register to vote in the BVI, residents must be 18 years of age or older, a belonger and a British subject, and domiciled in the Territory.
Apart from the incumbent National Democratic Party under Chief Minister Dr Orlando Smith, there is the opposition Virgin Islands Party under the leadership of Ralph O'Neal. The VIP just over a week ago observed its 36th anniversary.
As preparations continue for elections in the territory, the VIP announced this week most of its candidates to compete in the election. Three independent candidates have also announced their intentions to compete in the elections.
Elections are constitutionally due in the territory in June but must be held before October 10.
The Supervisor of Elections is encouraging eligible persons to visit the Elections Office in Road Town with copies of documents such as their birth certificate, passport or belonger’s card and get registered.
In the 2003 general elections there were just over 10,000 eligible voters but this figure is expected to increase this year. | | | | Reads : 227 | | | |
|
|
