GEORGE TOWN, Cayman Islands (CMC) – A record 25,643 Caymanians are eligible to cast ballots in the island’s general election on Wednesday, with voters also being called upon to vote in a referendum that will not be binding on the incoming administration.

Electoral officials in the British Overseas Territory say that by the time the polling stations open at 7:00 am, more than 2,500 people will have already voted in postal or mobile ballots.

The elections, which will be observed by an election mission organised by the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association British Islands and Mediterranean Region, follow a sequence of political manoeuvring in the British Overseas Territory since the 2021 elections when independent candidates won 12 seats and the People’s Progressive Party (PPM) winning seven seats.

The PPM, under the leadership of Joey Hew, is contesting 13 seats, while the new Cayman Islands National Party (CINP) led by Dan Scott, is contesting 12 and The Andre Ebanks-led Caymanian Community Party (TCCP) is fielding a team of 10 candidates. In addition, there are several independent candidates vying for a seat in the parliament.

Under the island’s voting system, voters will cast ballots for the 19 members of parliament who will be directly elected via plurality vote. The Attorney General, appointed by the Governor, and Deputy Governor, appointed by the British monarch, serve as additional ex officio members.

A statement from the Elections Office on the voters list stated that “the growing electorate reflects the continued commitment to civic participation, and the Elections Office is dedicated to ensuring every eligible voter is ready to have their say in the electoral process”.

Supervisor of Elections, Wesley Howell, said “we are thrilled to see such a remarkable increase in the number of registered electors, we are working hard to ensure that every eligible voter has the information and resources they need to cast their ballot confidently.”

“We encourage voters to plan ahead, be informed, and use the available voting options to ensure their voices are heard.”

The voters will also be asked to vote on three national questions, namely, should the Cayman Islands develop cruise berthing infrastructure, do they support the introduction of a national lottery in the islands and do they support the decriminalisation of the consumption and possession of small amounts of cannabis.

In a statement, the Cayman Islands government said that while a general election is used to choose representatives, referendums give voters the opportunity to express their views directly on key issues.

“The upcoming referendum, initiated by the Cayman Islands Government, invites voters to share their views on three national topics and help shape future decisions. However, this referendum is non-binding, meaning the result will guide the government but will not automatically lead to a change in law or policy.

“A ‘yes’ vote does not approve any past proposals or existing plans. It simply signals that the public believes the issue is worth exploring further,” the statement added.

The polls will close at 6:00 pm.