General Elections were held in the British Virgin Islands on 16 June 2003 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
Thirty-three candidates were officially been nominated to contest the 2003 election.
Election Campaign
In its 61-page manifesto, entitled "A Bright Future for the BVI", the incumbent Virgin Islands Party (VIP), led by Chief Minister Ralph O'Neal, highlighted major achievements during its 1999-2003 term in office. The party also outlined its development strategy for the islands, which called for a sharpening of focus on tourism; spreading democracy through the political process; improvements to the management of the environment; greater productivity in the BVI; as well as greater attention to the needs of vulnerable groups.
The National Democratic Party's (NDP) 31-page document had as its theme "This Election is about the Future". The party promised to bring about five essential changes for the BVI, including a strong economy and better health care for all; to fight to end corruption and wastage in government; to invest in education as well as in youth development and sports. The NDP also considered among matters of fundamental importance to the BVI to achieve a strong strategic position in the global community in the 21st century; full economic enfranchisement for all British Virgin Islands; establishment of the VI as the pre-eminent offshore financial services centre in the Caribbean; the creation of sustainable job opportunities for all our citizens and establishment of a knowledge-based culture with the priority being to create a first rate service oriented economy, second to none in the region.
Results
The opposition National Democratic Party (NDP) took 54.4% of the vote and 8 of the 13 available seats on the Legislative Council.
Among the victorious NDP candidates were Dr Smith; Eileen Parsons, who was dismissed by O'neal as his deputy; and C. Alvin Christopher, who also left the VIP to join the NDP while Mark Vanterpool, who previously contested on an NDP ticket, was among the successful VIP candidates this time around. The other NDP winners were incumbents Dr Kedrick Pickering and Lloyd Black in Districts 7 and 8 respectively.
Among other VIP winners were O'Neal who retook his seat in District 9, his former deputy Julian Frazer, Andrew Fahie, the former Minister of Education, Mark Vanterpool, Omar Hodge and newcomer Delores Christopher.
Voter Turnout
Voter turnout was 72.0% of the 10,161 registered voters.
Post-election
After the election the NDP formed a Government for the first time in its history. |
Dissolution of House |
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Nomination Day |
Mon, 2 Jun 2003 |
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Polling Day |
Mon, 16 June 2003 |
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First Meeting of Parliament |
Thu, 10 Jul 2003 |
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