Turks and caicos Islands Election Results

By Jonathan Kitto, jonathan.kitto@fotbot.org

The results are in from the February 19^th general election in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The Progressive National Party has won a resounding victory over the incumbent People’s Democratic Movement party winning 14 of the 15 seats. The Progressive Democratic Alliance failed to win a single seat with independent candidates unable to succeed in being elected either.

Of the ten seats held by the People’s Democratic Movement prior to the election, the party was only able to defend one, with Edwin Astwood being the only party member to secure a seat. Even party leader Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson who had served as the islands first ever female premier from 2016-2021, failed to be re-elected.

There is no doubt that this is a huge victory for Washington Misick’s Progressive National Party, who, having won an additional 9 seats in this election, will form the next government. Misick has previously indicated a desire for greater economic intervention by the state such as higher taxation in order to provide greater welfare support for the more vulnerable and in-need. As well as welfare reform the People’s Democratic Movement is committed to a shake up of the education system. To provide young people with the skills and opportunities they require to thrive on the islands but also to avoid youngsters resorting to crime – a very relevant issue considering the recent prisoner transfers from the TCI to the Cayman Islands and to the UK.

The electoral system in the Turks and Caicos Islands returns members to the House of Assembly through three different methods. The majority of members are elected from ten single seat, first past the post constituencies. Another five members are returned from a multi member at-large constituency. Finally, four more members are appointed to the House of Assembly; one by the premier, another by the leader of the opposition and a further two by the Governor.

Everyone at the Friends of the British Overseas Territories would like to convey their congratulations to Washington Misick and the Progressive National Party on their electoral victory as well as to all members that have been elected to serve the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands.