2012 Caymanian electoral system referendum

18 July 2012
Do you support on electoral system of single-member constituencies with each elector being entitled to cast only one vote?
Results
Choice
 Votes %
Yes 5,631 65.23%
No 3,001 34.77%
Valid votes 8,632 99.48%
Invalid or blank votes 45 0.52%
Total votes 8,677 100.00%
Registered voters/turnout 15,161 57.23%
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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 %
For 5,631 65.23
Against 3,001 34.77
Invalid/blank votes 45 –
Total 8,677 100
Registered voters/turnout 15,161 57.23
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. ^ a b c d e f g h Cayman Islands, 18 July 2012: Elections in one constituency Direct Democracy (in German)
  2. ^ Majority want single member constituencies, but magic number not met Cayman 27, 18 July 2012
  3. ^ Notification of Referendum 2012 Archived 2012-07-29 at the Wayback Machine Elections Office
  4. ^ Chamber against referendum holiday Archived 2012-07-11 at the Wayback Machine Cayman 27, 21 June 2012
  5. ^ One man, one vote campaigners not giving up Archived 2012-06-30 at the Wayback Machine Cayman 27 26 June 2012
  6. ^ Premier: Results will not be held as advisory Archived 2012-07-24 at the Wayback Machine Cayman 27, 19 July 2012
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