COCKBURN TOWN, Turks and Caicos Islands (CMC) — The ruling Progressive National Party (PNP) was re-elected to government on Friday after voters gave the 75-year-old Premier Washington Misick another term as the head of government in Turks and Caicos.

The PNP won 16 of the 19 seats contested, unlike the 2021 general election when the party won 14 out of the 15 seats that were at stake for control of the National Assembly.

The main opposition People’s Democratic Movement (PDM) won two seats including that of its leader, Edwin Astwood, who is expected to be sworn in again as opposition leader.

“To the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands, I am deeply humbled and grateful for your trust and confidence in re-electing the Progressive National Party to lead our nation once again. Your support is a testament to our shared vision for a stronger, more prosperous Turks and Caicos,” Misick told supporters.

“This victory belongs to all of us—it is a commitment to progress, unity, and a brighter future for our islands. As we move forward, we will continue to work tirelessly to deliver on our promises, uplift our communities, and create opportunities for every citizen,” he said, adding “thank you for your belief in our leadership. Together, we will keep building a better tomorrow”.

According to the preliminary results, E Jay Saunders, the former deputy premier who was fired by Misick in 2024, won the overall most votes in the election, and the highest ever for an individual candidate at 4,614.

Another independent candidate Tamell Seymour was also victorious, winning the South Caicos seat.

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 first time under significant constitutional changes highlighted by the introduction of the DS200 electronic voting machine.

“The main thing from an electoral process perspective was ensuring that voters understood the new system with the electronic tabulation,” said Governor Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam, who had earlier visited polling stations across the islands.

Supervisor of Elections Dudley Lewis said all recounts for the election would be done manually.

There are 9,385 registered voters in the Turks and Caicos Islands, an island nation of approximately 47,720 people. Less than 20 per cent of residents have the right to vote in the election that was monitored by the Jamaica-based Citizens Action for Free and Fair Elections (CAFFE).