An independent review of advance voting in Anguilla’s recent general election found that, while the law was breached, the results still reflected the will of the people.
The investigation looked into the decision by then elections supervisor Rodney Rey to accept applications two weeks past the deadline date for those wishing to vote a day early.
Governor Julia Crouch commissioned electoral administration consultant Orrette Fisher to conduct the inquiry in March, following a request from the opposition leader.
Fisher’s work included examination of the law and stakeholder actions, as well as interviews with members of the Governor’s Office, the Central Elections Office, political parties, and election observers.
His final report was published by the Governor’s Office on 22 April. Just days prior Rey resigned from his role.
Along with his findings, Fisher put forward five recommendations aimed at ensuring future compliance, enhancing participation, and promoting non-partisan oversight.
“These recommendations will be carefully considered by the governor and premier as part of broader election reform,” the Governor’s Office said.
Review findings
In his five-page report dated 7 April, Fisher found that reopening the advance poll application process on 24 February was in contravention of the Elections Act.
The decision to bypass the 10 February deadline date was made without consultation or public disclosure, the review stated.
Fisher noted that the 38 people who applied that day were registered voters who would have been eligible for advance voting had they applied on time.
Swift action from the Governor’s Office ensured that Rey stopped accepting late applications, issued a public statement, and ensured that those affected would vote on election day instead.
“This action helped preserve the election’s integrity,” Fisher wrote.
The independent review found no evidence of voter disenfranchisement or illegal voting, and concluded that the election results reflected the genuine will of the people.
However, Fisher said the decision to act outside the Elections Act raised concerns about procedural fairness and transparency.
Recommendations
The review made five recommendations to ensure future compliance, improved participation, and non-partisan oversight.
It suggested extending the advance poll application period from 10 to 15 days, while allowing further extensions in exceptional circumstances such as natural disasters, with the attorney general’s consultation.
Transparency should be improved by finalising and distributing the list of approved advance poll voters to all political parties and candidates at least three days before the advance poll, the report said.
It suggested that a dedicated public education officer should be appointed within the Central Electoral Office to lead voter awareness and education campaigns, especially around key deadlines.
The review also recommended the creation of a five-member Election Oversight Commission made up of the governor (or a proxy), representatives from parties in the House of Assembly, and respected citizens.
This will provide guidance and monitoring of the elections supervisor in legislated circumstances, and should be established at least six months ahead of a scheduled election.
Finally, the report encouraged efforts to promote early applications for advance voting to support better planning and resource allocation.
The report is available in full here.
