ELECTIONS OFFICE PRAISED…but some improvements recommended

Part One: Domestic Election Observers

Democracy is alive and well in the Cayman Islands as evidenced in the 2025 general election.

The management of the process has been lauded by the visiting Commonwealth Observer Mission and the Domestic Observer team.

Nonetheless, there were some areas of concern noted by both teams.

In a preliminary statement pending the publication of their final report, the Cayman Islands Domestic Observer team highlighted several areas which they feel warrant attention.

Overall, it concluded that its findings “highlight the efficiency and professionalism displayed by election officials at the majority of polling stations.”

Regarding the electoral framework, the independent national team stated: “Observers continue to recommend a legal review of candidacy eligibility, particularly relating to dual nationals and individuals with dated nonviolent convictions to align Caymanian law with international democratic standards.”

Under the heading of ‘Electoral Integrity’ they found no systematic evidence of vote-buying. “Isolated incidents of treating were noted at some rallies but did not constitute direct vote-buying.” The recommendations include reinforcing public education against electoral inducements and clarifying the legal definition of ‘treating’.

On the overall Political and referendum rallies, it concluded: “Overall, political rallies contributed positively to the democratic process by encouraging public engagement and voter participation.” However, it said there were noted gaps in public education and informational resources regarding the referendum questions...highlighting the need for more structured outreach in future referendums. (This point was also separately made by the external observers from the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association).

Commenting on the heading of Media Environment, the Cayman Islands Domestic Observers “noted a significant amount of partisan content on social media platforms during the blackout period highlighting a gap not addressed by the Elections Act (2022 Revision). No major violations involving traditional media were observed.”

On the topic of Mobile Voting and Postal Ballots, the team made several recommendations to improve the management of that aspect of the voting process.

Regarding Election Day, it was stated that “polling staff demonstrated strong understanding of the procedures” and commended the Elections Office staff for being “detailed and professional”. At the same time, the Domestic Observers put forward further recommendations aimed at making the administrative process work even better. These include ensuring that addresses are accurate and updated, prioritising a complete review of the electoral list before the next election, and improving media publications and signage at the start of the restriction zones. They also recommend ensuring uniformity in procedures in each polling district with clearly defined responsibilities for each poll clerk.

While making note of media reports of alleged inappropriate candidate behaviour at some polling stations, the Domestic Observers said in the absence of evidence, the Elections Office should nonetheless review them.

The Cayman Islands 2025 Domestic Election and Referendum and Observer team comprised Deborah Ebanks(Head of Mission), Nelva Ebanks, Briony Gallegos, Abraham Mathew, Brittany McVicar, Mark Thomas and Valerie Ritch. Alternate observers were Jessica Anderson and Colleen Stoetzel.