General Elections were held in the British Virgin Islands on 17 May 1999 for all 13 seats in the Legislative Council.
Electoral System
The British Virgin Islands elects on territorial level to a unicameral legislature. The Legislative Council consists of fifteen (15) members; thirteen (13) elected representatives for a four year term, nine (9) of whom are electoral district representatives and four (4) as territorial-at-large representatives, the Attorney General (non-voting, ex officio member) and one elected Speaker.
Political Parties & Candidates
The election was keenly contested between the governing Virgin Islands Party (VIP) and other groups, including the Concerned Citizens Movement (CCM), the National Democratic Party (NDP), and the United Party (UP). Twenty candidates vying for nine district seats and four at-large seats.
Election Campaign
All the parties, especially the newly formed NDP and the ruling VIP, are engaged in an extensive campaign, including television, radio, and newspaper advertisements.
Results
The result was a victory for the incumbent Virgin Islands Party (VIP) led by Chief Minister Ralph T. O'Neal over the newly formed National Democratic Party (NDP) led by Orlando Smith. The VIP won seven of the 13 seats in general elections while the newly formed National Democratic Party (NDP) of Dr. Orlondo Smith secured five seats. The Concerned Citizen Movement (CCM) won the other seat.
Voter Turnout
Voter turnout was 64.53% of the 11,438 registered voters.
Post-election
Based on the results, Gov. Frank Savage was expected to ask Virgin Islands Party leader Ralph O'Neal to form the new government. Chief Minister, O'Neal, and three Government ministers were sworn into office, two days after the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) retained power in general elections. |
Dissolution of House |
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Nomination Day |
Mon, 4 May 1999 |
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Polling Day |
Mon, 17 May 1999 |
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First Meeting of Parliament |
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