The official clock on Cayman’s general election has commenced ticking with the formal issuing of writs of election to the returning officers responsible for overseeing and conducting the 2025 polls.
The 19 returning officers received their instruments from Governor Jane Owen on Thursday in a ceremony held at the Elections Office, a government release stated, adding that this “reaffirmed the Cayman Islands’ commitment to maintaining a robust and orderly democratic process”.
During the ceremony, the governor also presented the writs to the 15 deputy returning officers, “who will assist in larger districts to facilitate a seamless and efficient election process”.
Supervisor of Elections Wesley Howell, in the statement, emphasised the critical role played by the returning officers and their teams.
“The professionalism and dedication of our Returning Officers and Deputy Returning Officers are instrumental in upholding the principles of democracy. We are confident in their ability to deliver an election process that reflects the highest standards of integrity and efficiency,” he said.
Last month, Premier Juliana O’Connor-Connolly announced Wednesday, 30 April 2025 as the general election date.
The election announcement was triggered after the departure of four of her government members, including then Deputy Premier André Ebanks.
Sustainability and Climate Resiliency Minister Katherine Ebanks-Wilks, Health Minister Sabrina Turner and Parliamentary Secretary Heather Bodden also left the government.
Owen, in a joint statement with the premier last month, said the April general election date was chosen in order to ensure that voters who register by early January are included in the official register of electors which will be published on 1 April.
Parliament is expected to be dissolved late February.
Nomination day is expected to be 1 March 2025.
‘Important responsibility’
Owen, in issuing the writs, commended the returning officers for taking on the “important responsibility”.
“Their work begins today, as we prepare for our General Election on 30 April 2025, when Cayman’s voting public will elect our new Government,” Owen said in the statement.
The issuance of the writs, the statement said, marks a pivotal moment in the electoral process, signalling the formal commencement of the election timeline in the Cayman Islands.
“These writs are legal documents that mandate Returning Officers to conduct elections in the 19 designated electoral districts in accordance with the Elections Act,” the statement said.
Each writ, the statement said, specifies key details, including the dates for nomination and polling, and provides comprehensive instructions to ensure the integrity and fairness of the election process.
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