A majority of voters in a Caymanian Compass online poll reckon that single-member constituencies are the way forward.
There were several options available to participants, with the largest number of voters, 65 of 213, or 30.5 percent, noting that the best way forward was to move to 18 or 19 single-member constituencies while keeping current district boundaries.
Another option was to have 14 or 15 single-member districts, with four or five other seats selected by the entire electorate at large. That drew 36 votes, or 16.9 percent. Together with first option, that came to 47.4 percent.
The second most popular single option was to have all 18 or 19 seats selected by the entire electorate at large. There were 52 people, or 24.4 percent, voting in that section.
Keeping the multimember voting system was the preferred selection of 40 people, or 18.8 percent, while the remaining 20 people (9.4 percent) voted “Other.”
Participants also had the option to choose a category opting for 18 or 19 seats selected by the entire electorate.
“We are a very small nation so there should be no district boundaries,” said one person in response to that option. “I should be able to vote for the 18 or 19 persons I want to run the country irrespective of which district I live in.”
Another who selected the same option continued the thread: “We need to get away from parochial thinking. I’d love the opportunity to select my preferred candidate regardless of what district he/she is from.”
Another agreed, saying “Why shouldn’t I be allowed to vote for who I think is the best candidate regardless of district?” One more contributor got straight to the point, responding “Separate vote for Premier by all voters.” One person who voted to have 14 or 15 single-member districts, with four or five seats selected by the electorate, felt weary of politicking. “These elected members needs to work together to better the country and stop acting like high school kids,” wrote the reader.
The category marked “Other” drew a wide range of views on the question.
“Lower the representatives to match the districts only one rep per district,” suggested one person. “They can hire their own support staff. Premier selected by all the people.”
Another contributor offered this: “Have a national election for Cabinet and one man one vote for each district.”
A complex system was postulated by another participant, who wrote: “Go to a popular vote the top 9 win then by random draw they represent a region. West Bay, George Town get two, then Savannah Newlands, Bodden Town, East End, North Side get one each; these are given by random draw of the 9 winners so there can be no favors owed to voters, then a separate running for Premier.
“If you run for premier, you run only for premier. The voters get two votes – one for a national representative one for the premier.”
Others felt that there were “too many seats” already. “There is no need to increase the amount of MLAs,” said one. “Also keep the multi-voting system. It works.”
“One man, one vote with 18 constituencies [should do the trick, plus] revoke 2009 pay raises to all MLAs and revoke double dipping,” wrote another person.
One contributor said there was a need for fewer members rather than more. “Nine total should do,” said the poll participant.
Another person suggested what would amount to a sea change in electoral business in Cayman. “Allow expats to hold office, so we get smarter officials in office,” the writer said.
Finally, a rather extreme message from one participant looked at who was voting in the first place. “It should be set in place that only members of society who are financially stable, have never committed a serious crime, are able to support themselves and their families and are well-rounded, respectable people are able to vote,” the writer said. “Unless, of course, you want Cayman to suffer like America is.”
Next week’s poll question:
Have you ever been asked to pay a bribe to receive a public service in the Cayman Islands?
- Yes, once.
- Yes, more than once.
- No, never.
- Not me, but I know of a family member or friend who has.
- Other (explain)
To participate, visit caycompass.com.
Related Videos
