Election night as it happened

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Update 3:10am: Coalition talks under way

The election is over; now the horse trading begins. Everyone said they wanted to avoid it but Cayman is right back where it was in 2021 with an indecisive result and a long night and possibly days of coalition talks to come.

The TCCP and CINP will likely come together quickly. They may wish they had done so sooner given the handful of races where their candidates took votes from each other and both ended up losing out to PPM.

So the split, we believe right now, is 8-8, with three of the four Independents yet to make definitive statements about where they will go. We’re calling it a night on the live updates here. Stand by for the full coverage of the election.

Update 3am: Fourth time lucky as McGaw-Lumsden wins for PPM

Dwayne Seymour has won in Bodden Town West and Pearlina McGaw-Lumsden has won in George Town West – a seat she takes from the retiring David Wight, who campaigned hard for her for the PPM.

It’s her fourth time running for office and she credits Wight for helping her get over the line.

Talking to our reporter Norma Connolly at the PPM HQ, she said she was humbled.

“I’ve been looking forward to this all my life,” she said.

Chris Saunders’ victory in Bodden Town West has yet to be confirmed officially but that is imminent.

So the results given who has said what about coalitions are PPM and Saunders (8), TCCP/CINP (8), Independents (3).

We’re more or less as we were four years ago. Who has the best chance to form a coalition? It is all on those eastern independents. Isaac Rankine, Jay Ebanks – give us a call.

Update 2:50am: Kenneth Bryan looks to move fast on coalition talks

On his victory in George Town Central, Kenneth Bryan said, “It never gets stale; staying with your people in such an important moment together as a family is the best feeling ever.”

Adding that he wanted to avoid the horse trading of 2021, he said, “We need to form a government. There needs to be some relationship building and we need to do it fast. We need to be able to tell the people fast what’s going to happen. The country needs stability; it needs direction.”

On the rejection of the cruise berthing referendum, which the Bryan has championed as a necessary economic endeavour, he said he would respect the people’s will.

“That’s what democracy is,” he said.

Update 2:20am: Here’s how the next Parliament is looking…

Here’s the results. We’ve asterisked the one yet to be confirmed.

PPM: Joey Hew, Roy McTaggart, Roy Tatum, Kenneth Bryan, Juliana O’Connor-Connolly, Dwayne Seymour, Pearlina McGaw-Lumsden*

TCCP: André Ebanks, Katherine Ebanks-Wilks, Wayne Panton, Heather Bodden

CINP: Gary Rutty, Michael Myles, Julie Hunter, Nickolas DaCosta

IND: Jay Ebanks, Isaac Rankine, Rolston Anglin, Chris Saunders

Referendum: Cruise: no; Lottery: yes; Cannabis: yes

PPM’s Roy McTaggart has resecured his seat by a slim margin over CINP’s Vassel ‘Bud’ Johnson.

Speaking at PPM HQ, he said, “On that final box, I won by two votes. That was really interesting the outcome, how close it really was.”

The current count shows McTaggart ahead of Johnson by just 12 votes.

He said he was sitting at the polling station for two hours until the returning officer came out and announced the results.

“Tomorrow starts a new chapter in my life as a member of Parliament,” he said.

Discussions to form a government, he added, will be happening “very quickly”.

Update 2:15am: Independents hold the key

As we see it now, it looks like it could end with CINP and TCCP ready to talk. That’s at least eight for that coalition. So if they can persuade Jay Ebanks and Isaac Rankine to come and work with them – that could be the ballgame.

PPM look like they will get seven and possibly add Chris Saunders to make eight. We’re not sure which way Rolston Anglin is leaning, so that’s another call to be made.

Reminder that Dan Scott, the CINP leader, lost his own race tonight, and Gary Rutty is being tipped to lead that group. No doubt Scott will have a hand in coalition talks, too.

As it stands, all possible results are on the table and that might well be the case even when the results are finalised.

Here’s our best guess for how the 19 line up – TCCP/CINP – 8, PPM – 7, Independents – 4.

Update 2:10am: Julie Hunter on that famous win

Simon Boxall caught up with Julie Hunter.

“It was definitely a hard-fought race but it was time and we feel good,” she said, thanking her supporters for their love and prayers.

“Now that I am elected, I am going to be a member of Parliament for every single member of my constituency. Whether you voted for me or not, that is irrelevant at this stage.”

Mario Ebanks, who lost to Bush by a small margin in 2021 and is a pundit tonight on CompassTV, congratulated Hunter and said, “The time has come.”

It has been more of a subdued campaign from Bush this time and he spoke earlier about his wife’s illness and the difficulty of facing what he described as “the money people”.

Update 1:50am: Huge result as Bush goes after four decades

That is a huge result by the slimmest of margins. McKeeva Bush, love him or hate him, has represented Cayman in almost every office there is for four decades. The court cases and the controversy seem to have caught up with him this time and the man they thought was ‘teflon’, the MP with 99 lives, has finally been defeated in his West Bay West stronghold.

There’s a motorcade under way, and Julie Hunter in a purple jacket of the CINP is leading the celebrations. That’s four seats for the CINP, who came close to defeating Roy McTaggart as well. Bud Johnson has lost that seat by a handful of votes.

What does this mean for the government? CINP has four, TCCP has four, possibly five. Those two parties will come together to make eight or nine. Then it is down to the independents.

Update 1:45am: McKeeva Bush has been toppled

We are hearing from sources in West Bay West that McKeeva Bush has been toppled  in West Bay West after 40 years as an MP.

We’re told its a nine-vote margin for Julie Hunter, just announced outside the polling station.

Update 1:40am: André Ebanks hopeful TCCP can form coalition government

TCCP leader André Ebanks and Kathy Ebanks-Wilks met with reporter Simon Boxall in West Bay.

Ebanks, hinting at a coming coalition government, said he felt “completely inspired” and he “could clearly see from other results that The Caymanian Community Party has resonated in other parts of the country”.

“What we can see so far, it is a mix,” he said. “But we do see there are like-minded persons that are in the Cayman Islands National Party.

“We can see there are a few like-minded, talented independents. It shows the country is looking for a coalition that can bring forward a stronger, fairer Cayman.”

Update 1:30am: A ‘bittersweet night’ and no predictions from Roy Tatum

Roy Tatum tells our reporter Norma Connolly that he is happy to have won in Red Bay but he sounds subdued and acknowledges he is “saddened” by some results.

“It is bittersweet so far,” he says, highlighting Crystal Gomez and Donna Bush as disappointing losses.

After last time and a long history in politics, he accepts he would be “foolish” to predict anything about where the government is going.

Update 1:15am: Rolston Anglin ready to talk about putting a government together

Rolston Anglin says he is looking to do what is best for the country.

“Everyone has reached out,” he said, but he is not committing at this stage.

On his own victory – a return to the House after 12 years – he had this to say:

“There are times when humans get redemption stories and I have gotten mine and this is going to be one hell of a story as it relates to ensuring that we make Cayman work for Caymanians,” he said.

Anglin said that means immigration reform, ensuring the public education system works and advancing CIFEC. He also referred to provisions for elderly care and health insurance reform, including universal healthcare for children.

He said the last four years had been a disaster.

“That disaster needs to end now. I am not going to join any coalition for joining a coalition’s sake,” he said, adding that there would need to be a clearly defined agreement from a public policy perspective.

Update 1:10am: CPR – ‘People have spoken on cruise’

This just in from a Cruise Port Referendum spokesman in response to the resounding ‘no’ vote that is emerging from tonight’s poll.

“Looking at the results, there is no doubt that the people have spoken loud and clear.

“Given the overwhelming results this new government has to honor the result and understand the people have used their voices on this matter regarding building any proposed cruise berthing infrastructure or facility in the future.

“It was never a top five priority for the voters who could not support building cruise berthing infrastructure in the absence of pertinent details, costs projections and [failure] to address the concerns the public expressed regarding the legitimate environmental, financial and socioeconomic concerns.”

Update 1:05am: Rolston Anglin on a victory lap around West Bay

Our reporter Simon Boxall is standing by in West Bay having tracked Rolston Anglin along two victory laps around West Bay, hazard lights on, and witnessed his victory speech at the polling station.

Update 1am: Mixed feelings for Wayne Panton

In Newlands, Wayne Panton told reporter Shanda Gallego that he had slightly mixed feelings. While he had not been declared the Newlands winner yet, he said he was elated to be re-elected but “obviously there are colleagues that I have that have lost their races”.

He said he was really glad that the country had responded well to the TCCP party and positions.

“We still have some [candidates] that are really outstanding and fingers crossed that they come in successfully as well,” he said.

He referred to the pre-election financial update for the balance of this year and 2026.

“There are lots of projects and infrastructure issues that we have to address,” he said. “But we first have to be in a position to ensure we are fiscally stable, that we are in control of our finances.”

Update 12:55am: CINP in high spirits

Gary Rutty is in high spirits at CINP headquarters. With Dan Scott’s loss confirmed, he could be the new party leader.

Has he already been crowned?

Update 12:50am: André Ebanks declared winner

André Ebanks has won his seat. Could he be premier by end of the night? It’s possible.

Coalition talks must be beginning now and if TCCP and CINP come together, the numbers start to look good. As so often happens, the destiny of the government will be decided in the talks after the vote.

Update 12:45am: Tatum takes Red Bay, Juliana O’Connor-Connolly returns to Parliament

Roy Tatum, a long-time PPM advisor but first-time candidate, is the winner in Red Bay.

Dan Scott of the CINP has not been able to topple Juliana O’Connor-Connolly on the Brac.

Update 12:35am: No to cruise, yes to lotto and ganja

The early pattern of the referendum vote has held strong through the night.

It is a resounding ‘no’ to cruise berthing infrastructure. Quite what that means after an advisory and non-binding referendum remains to be seen, but it would be politically problematic for any government to touch this in the next four years at least.

Equally mystifying is what they will do with what looks like a ‘yes’ vote on a lottery. No one appears to have done any research on what a lottery would look like, how it would operate, what the jackpot might be and where the money would go.

Does this result tonight, if it is confirmed, mean a new government would be obligated to go do that research and put it towards the top of their agenda? Who knows?

Update 12:30am: Michael Myles is the winner in Prospect

Michael Myles looks to have won an incredibly close race in Prospect for the CINP.

He’s taken that by 367 to 351 from incumbent Sabrina Turner. No word if that 16-vote margin is close enough to require a recount. For now it’s being called for Myles and the CINP.

A stalwart in the community, Myles is known for setting up and running the trade school Inspire Cayman.

Update 12:30am: Heather Bodden is well ahead in Savannah

Heather Bodden has a healthy lead with three-quarters of the vote counted in Savannah. Meanwhile, Michael Myles has sneaked ahead in Prospect, and Pearlina McGaw-Lumsden is extending her lead over Craig Merren for the PPM.

We have numbers from all 19 constituencies and, while some are very close, here’s what we have at the moment:

PPM (6), TCCP (5) CINP (4), IND (4)

Update 12:15am: Nickolas DaCosta claims a seat for CINP

The Cayman Islands National Party is on the board. Nickolas DaCosta takes the Cayman Brac West and Little Cayman seat, defeating Lonny Tibbetts.

The government is really up for grabs here tonight and that is a big win for any potential coalition of the two new parties.

Meanwhile, Sabrina Turner of TCCP pulls ahead in Prospect from Michael Myles.

At the CINP headquarters, Vassel ‘Bud’ Johnson was feeling good, as he trailed incumbent Roy McTaggart by just 11 votes.

He said the solidarity CINP has as a party is reassuring and that the ethos is strong.
He described his campaign experience as life changing.

“Win or lose, I wouldn’t change this experience for the world,” he said. “If they choose Roy over me, so be it. No regrets about stepping into the arena.”

Update 12:10am: East End and North Side independents could be kingmakers

Jay Ebanks and Isaac Rankine, both of whom look like being returned by significant margins, could hold the keys to the government. Another independent – Rolston Anglin in West Bay North – could also be influential. All three are home and clear, and thoughts will be turning to how they negotiate with the parties and party-affiliated candidates.

We haven’t had a clear steer from those three on who they would work with, so anything could happen there.

Update 12:05am: Joey Hew starting to think about coalition talks

At the PPM headquarters, Joey Hew was feeling “great” after his fourth election win.
“It’s a fantastic feeling,” he said.

“We are watching closely what’s happening in other constituencies. We have a couple of candidates that are very close,” he added. “Some of them are very early.”

He said the party was keeping a close eye on the outcomes in Red Bay, Prospect and Savannah.

“As we see the numbers come in from constituencies that we do not have candidates in, we can start to think about who we will work with,” he said.

Update 12am: McKeeva Bush behind

McKeeva Bush is behind by 11 votes in the early count in West Bay West – the first numbers we have seen from that district. CINP’s Julie Hunter has 192 to Bush’s 181.

It’s as tight as it was four years ago with Mario Ebanks, where Bush eventually squeaked home.

Bush has held that seat for 40 years and despite his slightly diminished national stature that would be a seismic result tonight and one that could impact the destination of the government.

Meanwhile Roy McTaggart, with 339 votes, has a real race on his hand in George Town East where CINP’s Bud Johnson is closing the gap. He now has 328.

Update 11:35pm: Jay Ebanks is streets ahead in North Side, Isaac Rankine takes East End

The first numbers are in from North Side and it is going big for Jay Ebanks. The infrastructure minister is popular in his constituency and that shows, with him taking 73% of the first numbers.

Isaac Rankine is declared the winner in East End in a more comfortable result than many imagined. Three MPs elected so far are Joey Hew (PPM), Rolston Anglin (IND) and Isaac Rankine (East End).

Update 11:30pm: Dwayne Seymour is behind in Bodden Town East

A potential shock in Bodden Town East where government minister Dwayne Seymour, who has held that seat for eight years and been a government front bencher all that time, is trailing against TCCP’s Robert Bodden. There are only eight votes in it, though.

Seymour has 165 to Robert Bodden’s 173. Interesting numbers there and a blow to the PPM’s hopes. That would be a huge scalp for TCCP. The story of the night is that the two new parties are having far more success in races where only one of them is represented. They are splitting the vote in other constituencies and that’s helping the PPM nationally.

Update 11:25pm: Joey Hew elected as MP for GT North

Joey Hew is the first race we can officially call tonight. At the latest count, he has 601 votes, which is enough to declare him the victor. He may yet end up as premier by the end of the night – or the end of the week – depending on how other races and talks go.

Rolston Anglin is the projected winner in West Bay North.

Update 11:20pm: It’s not looking like Dan Scott’s night

Former EY partner Dan Scott is very unlikely to make it to Parliament with former premier Juliana O’Connor-Connolly building a sizeable lead in Cayman Brac East.

Gary Rutty, who may succeed him as CINP leader after tonight, said he had spoken to Scott and that he had “basically conceded” the fight against the PPM’s O’Connor-Connolly. Rutty added, “Dan has hope for us. He is a leader, a great guy.

“This country has missed a wonderful opportunity to have a great leader.

“He is the leader and we all have respect for him. I just wish Dan was at the table with us.”

Rutty added that the party members would need to get together and discuss who would take over Scott’s role. He said, “Whatever it takes to help this country and this party, I’m here for. It’s bigger than me.” Rutty said, “It’s a shame – what Dan could have brought to the table. This country has lost.”

Rutty added that the party members would need to get together and discuss who would take over Scott’s role.

Update 11:05pm: Kenny Bryan has strong lead, while Pearlina McGaw-Lumsden has slight margin

It’s starting to look like a good night for the PPM. Kenneth Bryan is running away with it in George Town Central. He has 175 votes, with his closest rival Anthony Ramoon on 48.

Pearlina McGaw-Lumsden leads Craig Merren (CINP) by just 37 votes in George Town West, so if that holds the PPM will be getting close to where they need to be.

Update 11pm: Isaac Rankine is well ahead in East End

Isaac Rankine has more than half the vote in East End and looks a dead cert there.

The opposition boat is going four ways and no one else is close.

Update 10:55pm: Gary Rutty – ‘We are in it to win it’

Gary Rutty, the former owner of Comfort Suites and Burger King, is feeling good about his chances after the early results show a commanding lead.

“We are looking good. It’s early for me and it is early for some of my teammates but we are going to be forming part of the next government and Cayman is going to breathe a sigh of relief,” he told CompassTV from the CINP headquarters in George Town.

Rutty has been campaigning hard in George Town South and it looks to have paid off.

Update 10:45pm: Early numbers show leads for PPM (4), TCCP (3), CINP (2), IND (2)

Still no results from eight constituencies, including key races in West Bay West, North Side, East End, George Town West and Central.

No real clarity on what the next government might look like, despite some indications of how those races will go. These are early numbers – many boxes yet to count in those districts where some results have been announced.

Chris Gourzong, on CompassTV, makes a great point that the cruise referendum could move slightly with the George Town constituencies around the waterfront.

Update 10:40pm: Katherine Ebanks-Wilks not celebrating till the final count

In West Bay Central, Katherine Ebanks-Wilks of TCCP, is well ahead.

Speaking to CompassTV just now, she said she hung back at the constituency office today, in order to give voters their space. She chose to vote early this time around.

While she currently holds a lead, she said, “As a candidate, if there’s an issue requiring a recount, I will need to go in and request a recount,” adding, “We haven’t won until we’ve won.”

Update 10:35pm: ‘Peanut’ heading for Parliament

Gary ‘Peanut’ Rutty looks like he is going to take the George Town South seat for the CINP. He has almost 50% of the vote with the rest split between Alric Lindsay and Craig ‘Festa’ Frederick. That’s one in the loss column for the PPM, who held that seat through Barbara Conolly, who retired from politics.

There’s speculation that Rutty could emerge as the parliamentary leader of the CINP if, as seems likely, Dan Scott does not win his seat in Cayman Brac.

Update 10:30pm: Lottery, cannabis referendums looking like ‘yes’

Here’s how the referendums look with almost 20% of the count in hand:

Update 10:20pm: Rolston Anglin could be heading back to Parliament

Rolston Anglin has a healthy lead in West Bay North and could be headed back to Parliament for the first time since 2013. The former education minister is running as an independent.

We caught up with him yesterday and he called the last four years of government a “disaster”. He projects the next government will also be a coalition government, however, and called the different parties’ manifestos “wishy-washy”.

“I believe whoever the country puts the majority in their hands, I’m going to be willing to work with them,” he said.

Update 10:12pm: Round up of early leaders

A quick round-up of who is ahead in the races where we have results so far.

For the TCCP, Wayne Panton, André Ebanks, Katherine Ebanks-Wilks all have healthy leads.

For the PPM, Joey Hew, Juliana O’Connor-Connolly, Roy McTaggart and Roy Tatum are ahead.

For the CINP, Nickolas DaCosta is looking good but leader Dan Scott is quite far behind.

Michael Myles of CINP and Sabrina Turner of TCCP are close in Prospect and Chris Saunders leads in Bodden Town West. Still quite a few races where we have no numbers including McKeeva Bush in West Bay West.

Update 10:10pm: Neck and neck in Prospect

Prospect once again looks like the closest district of the night. Michael Myles, of the CINP, and Sabrina Turner, the TCCP candidate and erstwhile health minister, each have 111 votes.

The PPM’s Crystal Gomez has 91.

Update 10:05pm: Elections supervisor still hoping to have results by midnight

Regarding the delay in vote counting, Elections Supervisor Wesley Howell said, “I did not think I would be home before midnight. I think we said we would finish around midnight. It’s possible we could still do that.”

He said there was a little bit more of a process to count four things rather than one.
He explained that the vote-counting process was manual but transparent.

Regarding the number of ‘spoiled’ votes appearing in the counts, he said, “If you choose to not vote for a particular referendum question, that shows up as spoiled for a particular question.”

The referendum numbers right now look like ‘no’ to cruise, ‘yes’ to the lottery and cannabis.

Update 10pm: Dan Scott has a mountain to climb on Cayman Brac

Dan Scott’s hopes of being the next premier have taken a huge blow with the first results from Cayman Brac East.

Juliana O’Connor-Connolly has what looks like an unassailable lead with 60% of the vote to Scott’s 32% with more than half the votes counted. That looks like game over.

That’s a huge blow for the new CINP party who could lose its leader. The current premier – O’Connor-Connolly – had been set to retire but came back as part of the PPM and looks set to return to Parliament.

Different story in the other seat on the Sister Islands where Nickolas DaCosta has a marginal lead over Lonny Tibbetts.

This race could still go anywhere and any way.

Update 9:50pm: Julie Hunter claims ‘we are going to make history’

We caught up with the CINP’s Julie Hunter in her yard in West Bay with a healthy crowd gathered around CompassTV.

She told Simon Boxall they were ready to make history. No numbers from West Bay West as yet but the word on the street is that McKeeva Bush, who has held that seat for 40 years, has a real fight on his hands.

Update 9:45pm: Tatum leads tight race in Red Bay

Sir Alden McLaughlin’s vacated seat is breaking for his PPM successor Roy Tatum.

He had 34% of the vote and the TCCP and CINP candidates are close on his heels with 26% and 24%. That’s tight and maybe those two parties will wish they had joined forces.

The PPM’s other Roy – McTaggart – is marginally ahead of CINP’s Bud Johnson in George Town East. The vote count right now is 119-91. Emily DeCou has 48 votes for TCCP. Again, collectively, there would have been enough for a joint party to take that seat – assuming that the anti-PPM vote is splitting.

Update 9:40pm: Looking like a hard ‘no’ on cruise

All the early indications are that the Caymanian public is going to pass on cruise berthing.

There is still only just over 2% of the count in and more than 75% of those are saying ‘no’. So far it is 328 ‘no’ and 103 ‘yes’.

Update 9:35pm: More good news for TCCP

Andre Ebanks and Katherine Ebanks-Wilks are streaking ahead in their West Bay seats as the early numbers trickle in.

Both are close to 70% and building commanding leads. Its early, but those are significant margins and a strong sign of how those seats will go.

No huge surprises so far but I think it is safe to say Wayne Panton, André Ebanks, Joey Hew and Katherine Ebanks-Wilks are likely heading back to the House.

Update 9:30pm: Joey Hew well ahead in GT North

The first count from GT North shows Progressives leader Joey Hew is likely to reclaim his seat there.

He has 70% of the vote so far with 189 to Romellia Welcome’s 70.

Update 9:25pm: Early referendum numbers look bleak for cruise supporters

We have the first numbers from the referendum and it will be miserable reading for the campaigners who have fought so hard for cruise berthing.

With the substantial caveat that these numbers represent just 16% of the Newlands district, it is nonetheless an interesting indicator of how that vote might go. More than 75% are against berthing. Looks like the lottery and ganja – less controversial questions – are currently in the ‘yes’ column.

Update 9:20pm: Wayne Panton ahead in Newlands

First numbers of the night are in from Newlands and Wayne Panton is surging ahead in Newlands.

The former premier, now running with The Caymanian Community Party, has 118 votes, Alva Suckoo has 60 and Raul Gonzales Jr. has 38. So a commanding early lead for Panton there but only 16% of the vote counted.

Make another coffee, grab a beer, settle in. It is going to be a long, long night.

Update 9:10pm: Referendum questions delaying the count?

Mario Ebanks, on CompassTV, points to the likely reason for the delay in the count.

Those three referendum questions – on the cruise piers, the lottery and cannabis – are clearly slowing things down.

Last time we had the first races called by 8pm.

Ebanks isn’t happy.

“Three unnecessary questions – that’s whats causing the delay here.”

Meanwhile our reporter Andrel Harris from command centre says everyone is still there waiting “with bated breath”.

Update 9:05pm: Former PPM leader feeling hopeful

Former PPM leader Roy McTaggart, running in George Town East, told reporter Norma Connolly earlier today that he was extremely hopeful and feeling very confident that the Progressives will receive the majority and be able to form the government.

The Progressives will be keen to avoid the chaos that took place last time when, with McTaggart at the helm, they thought they had the best chance to take the government after gaining eight seats, along with their partners. In the end, they missed out to a hastily formed PACT coalition.

Meanwhile more than three hours after the polls have closed we are still waiting for the first numbers out of the Elections Command Centre.

Update 9pm: Party on the Brac?

The empty chairs are set up outside Kirkconnell market in Cayman Brac where Juliana O’Connor-Connolly and Lonny Tibbetts held a rally last night.

Are they prepping for a victory party here again tonight? Whichever way it goes it looks like they will at least plan to gather and thank their supporters.

Update 8:35pm: Roy Tatum hopeful in Red Bay

In Red Bay, PPM candidate Roy Tatum said, “We went the last election in the direction of independents. This election, I believe, it will be a party who will lead the country. … I am expecting it to be PPM.”

He told reporter Shanda Gallego that turnout was low and that it was unclear why. He said he was feeling good so far.

Not sure what he means about the turnout. As of the closing of the polls, voter turnout stood at 18,836 ballots for 73.56%. And in his Red Bay constituency it was 74%, which is on par for the night and about normal for a Cayman election.

Tatum was former premier Alden McLaughlin’s right hand man and is bidding to inherit his Red Bay seat in a five-person race there.

Update 8:15pm: André Ebanks hails positive momentum

TCCP leader André Ebanks told reporter Simon Boxall just now that it has been an inspiring few months with a feeling of hope.

“The campaign has touched a nerve in the community,” Ebanks said. “I feel a great deal of positive momentum.”

Ebanks said TCCP ran a professional, clean campaign, but fiercely debated on points of policy.

Mario Ebanks, an analyst on CompassTV tonight, concurs that the campaign has been within the lines. He makes a contrast with his own experience running as an Independent last time out revealing that he needed a security detail and had to stay home because of a “threat” during the final days of the campaign.

He also highlights concern about the tone of some of the debate on the “talk shows”.

Update 8pm: CINP chairman ‘confident’ party will help form government

CINP party chair Anthony Ritch, standing outside the party’s headquarters, told reporter Philipp Richter that they had received reassurance and positive feedback from voters throughout the day.

“For the most part in the 12 electoral districts where we had candidates, they felt great,” Ritch said. “I’d be lying if I said we weren’t a little anxious but we’re optimistic.”

He said the CINP was confident it would form part of the next government and claimed they have raised the bar with their candidate-selection process.

If the CINP has a good night we expect their first call will be to the TCCP leadership. Neither is likely to get to 10 on their own but collectively there is a chance they could prevail.

Update at 7:50pm: First numbers soon come?

Andrel Harris, reporting from the Elections Command Centre, said results might start to come in from stations with fewer voters around 8 or 9pm, with all results expected by midnight, according to Elections Supervisor Wesley Howell.

One complicating factor tonight is the three referendum questions on the same ballot as the votes mean it could be a more complex and time consuming process to count and sort.

Update at 7:30pm: McKeeva bemoans power of ‘money people’

West Bay West MP McKeeva Bush, former premier and former speaker, was in fiery form talking to Simon Boxall just now.

He said it had been challenging running against the “money people”.

Adding that his wife had been sick and he had his government duties to attend to, he acknowledged that he had not campaigned with his usual vigour. He bemoaned the ‘scandalising’ that he said had taken place during the campaign.

“It was quite a lot of work especially when you are running against the money people and we have two parties that are made of money people and they spent their money.

“There has been a lot of brouhaha but let’s see what the people say.”

Update at 7:20pm: Joey Hew hoping for ‘clear majority’ for PPM

Speaking with the Compass shortly after polls closed, PPM leader and George Town North candidate Joey Hew said Election Day marked the end of “a long eight weeks of campaigning” and followed a “big, big night at our final rally” held on Tuesday night.

“So today was a lot of anticipation and coordinating, and our teams have been dispersed across and working hard in each constituency, and we’re feeling very positive at this point,” he said.

“We are very much in the race, and hoping we get that clear majority.”

In the event that the PPM, which is fielding 12 candidates, does not get a majority 10 seats, he said the party would have to see who had been successful in securing seats and determine if they could work together.

“Obviously, we have no candidates in West Bay, so we’re watching that to see who is victorious there,” Hew said.

However, he added, “As we ran our numbers all week and what we’re seeing today, we feel really confident.”

He added that the PPM had said from the start of its campaign that it was only running a team of party members. “If you’re not with us, you’re against us,” he said. “So, when the count is done, we can start talking about who we’ll work with, but until then, I’m focusing solely on getting my people across the line.”

Update at 6:55pm: Details of how the results will be announced

Elections Supervisor Wesley Howell told Compass Media’s Andrel Harris what to expect as the results come in tonight.

The counting process has now begun and the Elections Office will report the results live on their website.

“Because the ballots [for the referendums and candidates] are combined, the counting will take place at the same location that polling took place today with the exception of Cayman Brac East, Cayman Brac West and Little Cayman. They are going to be transporting their ballots once they’ve sealed them up to the Aston Rutty Centre,” Howell said.

In Cayman Brac East, a Compass reporter observed ballot boxes and election officials being transported, accompanied by a police escort.

“The returning officers will announce the candidate with the highest number of votes as the winning candidate and then they’ll also report on the counts for each referendum question … within their electoral district.

“We will then add those numbers together during the command centre process and then announce the national count live effectively through our web services.”

Voter ballots will be preserved for one year, as established by law, and then incinerated under police supervision on 1 May 2026, Howell added.

Update at 6:45pm: Election day turnout 74%

The Elections Office website has the voter turnout at 74% as of right now. We’re not sure if thats the final count but it appears so. That’s bang on what we get in Cayman almost every time.

Update at 6:40pm: André Ebanks says there is a ‘deep desire for change’

TCCP leader André Ebanks spoke to our reporter Simon Boxall earlier this afternoon. His comments were embargoed because of election day reporting restrictions.

He said he felt filled with gratitude for the outpouring of support and enthusiasm from so many people, not just in West Bay but from people all around the country.

He said this was an incredible feeling, particularly because the Caymanian Community Party was formed less than 100 days ago and yet, according to Ebanks, “so many people can sense the momentum, and there is a deep desire for change for the better” that he says TCCP will bring to the Cayman Islands.

Update at 6:30pm: Saunders believes independents will get most seats

Chris Saunders, the former deputy premier, sounded confident in an interview with CompassTV’s Seaford Russell just now.

Saunders said he believe the independents will get the majority of the seats tonight. He re-iterated that the only group he was willing to work with is the PPM. He seemed to be speaking for others as well as himself, though not clear which independents will bargain together as a group and which will operate as free agents in any coalition talks.

Update at 6:20pm: Dan Scott ‘energised’ as the wait begins

Cayman Islands National Party leader Dan Scott was keeping his cards pretty close to his chest in an interview with our reporter Sarah Bridge over on Cayman Brac. 

He reflected on a long and tiring campaign but said he was feeling ‘energised’.

“Caymanians are very engaging. They also have great common sense. So when you spend time with them and when they speak to you, the insight is something that you will find extremely helpful.”

He said the whole process had been a learning experience and that the people he had spoken to had helped him develop the ideas and policies of the CINP.

Whatever the result tonight he said it has been an enjoyable journey.

His battle with Juliana O’Connor-Connolly in Cayman Brac East is likely to be one of the key races tonight. The same goes for his running mate Nickolas DaCosta who is competing with Lonny Tibbetts for the other seat on the Sister Islands. Those are two of the smallest constituencies and likely to be among the first races called. We will have more later.

Update at 6pm: Polls closed

The polls have closed. Caymanians have had their say today on who the next government will be and, despite a few small issues, all signs are that it has been a smooth day and a well-run vote.

There was a brief spontaneous round of applause from the election staff at George Town Central as the polls closed. Let’s not forget what a gargantuan task it has been for these workers over the past few months and particularly today. Congrats on a job well done.

Update at 5:45pm: Nervous night in store for leaders

Election campaigning rules mean we have been quite limited in what we can say about the race thus far. We have had reporters all round the country and we’ve been trying to catch up with the three party leaders who face a nervous few hours now with the polls about to close and the count set to begin. Stand by for more on that.

Our best bet based on past elections is that we will get results between 8pm and 11pm, with the final result form all 19 expected by midnight at the latest. Whether that means we have a government or not remains to be seen.

Update at 5:15pm: Last chance to vote

For those that have waited till the last minute, the window is closing. There are just 45 minutes left till the polls close.

Most people seem to have got out and voted early. Turnout was already at 68% at 5pm, so close to the final figure of 73% from 2021. The Sister Islands constituencies are both already around 80% turnout in what we expect to be two significant races in terms of the final result.

Update at 4:55pm: Dry Wednesday across Cayman

For those who have already voted and just looking to enjoy the holiday with a cold beer in the sun, you’re out of luck. Cayman’s election rules mean all bars and liquor stores have been closed all day, so unless you were well prepared it’s been a dry day.

That changes at 7pm – one hour after the polls close –  so whomever you support, you will be able to raise a glass to victory or drown your sorrows as the results come in (Editor’s note: Drink responsibly, people).

Update at 4:45pm: CompassTV live election night coverage

Stand by for the start of our live television coverage of election night. Tammi Sulliman will go live with a 5pm update and take you through to the close of play tonight, by which time we will have a new government – or at least 19 new MPs.

Pundits Mario Ebanks, who almost toppled McKeeva Bush in 2021, James Whittaker (the solar energy businessman and political commentator not the Compass journalist) and Chris Gourzong, of the Link-Up podcast, will be our analysts as the results come in later on. We’ll be calling the races as the results of the count comes to us.

Update at 4:20 pm: Political websites ‘go dark’

Observing the letter of the law banning election day campaigning, the three major political parties have not only pulled down their billboards, they have also taken their websites offline.

This from the CINP homepage, “Our website is temporarily down for Election Day in accordance with Cayman Islands Election regulations. We will be back 1 May.”

The Progressives and The Caymanian Community Party are also offline.

Update at 4pm: Governor happy to see ‘free and fair’ election

The governor and deputy governor have been touring polling stations throughout the day and have declared themselves happy with how the process has gone so far.

Speaking to government TV a few moments ago, Governor Jane Owen paid tribute to the 300 polling staff working across the island under the leadership of Supervisor of Elections Wesley Howell. 

She said her role was to take the “30,000 foot view” and be satisfied that Cayman’s election process is free, fair and transparent, something she feels “very secure about”.

Deputy Governor Franz Manderson said he was proud to see so many Caymanians coming out to exercise their democratic rights. He said he had voted early and had been keeping an eye on the process throughout the day.

He praised the professionalism of the civil service and said that no matter how they vote today, his staff would be ready to serve the next government with “professionalism, integrity and passion”.

Update at 3pm: Polling stations quieter

Compass reporters in Bodden Town West, George Town South, and Cayman Brac spoke to Chief Political Correspondent Tammi Sulliman live on CompassTV.

Across the jurisdiction, they noted the number of voters lining up to cast their ballots has started to trail off, with polling locations having seen strong turnout since 7am when stations opened.

Update at 2:20pm: Turnout passes 60%

We’ve reached 60% of registered voters having cast their ballots, as of the most recent update from the Elections Office.

Cayman Brac East leads the pack of 19 districts for largest showing so far, with 72% turnout at latest count.

Close behind, Cayman Brac West and Little Cayman stands at 66%. In 2021, the district had the lowest turnout out of the constituencies, coming in at 63% once the polls had closed.

The two districts in the Sister Islands are the smallest of the 19 constituencies.

Meanwhile, George Town West and West Bay West are showing the lowest turnout, per the most recent figures. Both constituencies have notched 55% of voters having cast ballots so far.

Polls stay open until 6pm this evening, giving the remaining eligible voters across Cayman just over three hours to have their say.

Update at 2:05pm: ‘Multiple issues with signage’

Blank billboards now abound on roadsides across the islands.

While a day ago, colourful posters of political candidates and parties could be spotted at street corners, beside highways and in front yards, now blank, white boards or stripped-bare brown plywood are all that remain.

Candidates were required to have all their campaign material taken down before midnight.

However, some signs have been left up despite what Elections Supervisor Wesley Howell calls “advance warnings and reminders” on that issue.

All signage – including referendum campaign posters – should have come down by midnight.

A separate, but related concern, surrounds candidates campaigning at the polls.

Howell said, “Another complaint coming in repeatedly is of candidates within the 300-foot boundary and hanging out too long, getting to the point where they are bordering on harassment of voters.”

Candidates are allowed inside the polling stations to visit their election agents but they are not allowed to campaign outside.

Update at 1:35pm: Governor in East End

Governor Jane Owen attended the William Allen McLaughlin Civic Centre earlier on Wednesday, as voters in East End turned out to have their say.

The latest figures from the Elections Office have turnout for the district at 56%, just above overall turnout for the islands at 54%.

Voters in the constituency where five candidates are competing for the seat shared how the day had panned out with Compass team members Raymond Hainey and Philipp Richter.

A middle-aged man leaving the East End polling station just after 7am said, “I’m glad to wake up in a country where democracy is alive and well.”

One woman at the East End polling station predicted that the area – which recorded an 86.74% turnout in 2021 – would once again notch up the highest vote.

She said, “It’s nice weather – a lot of the residents are up early and voting early.”

A 24-year-old second-time voter over in the North Side constituency said, “It’s been a good turnout so far as far as I can see.”

The latest numbers indicate 61% of voters have already cast their ballots.

“It’s a beautiful day and a good atmosphere. It was a very smooth vote,” the voter stated.

Update at 1:15pm: A long walk for Prospect voters

Voting continues apace at Red Bay and Prospect in the early afternooon.

Some voters at Prospect grumbled about the long walk they had to make from where they parked, as electors were not being allowed to use the parking lot at Prospect Primary School, where voting was being held.

The walk doesn’t seem to have put too many people off, however.

At the latest count, 52% of the Prospect electorate had voted, with 59% casting their ballots in Red Bay.

Update at 1pm: Issue for voters in Cayman Brac East

Compass analysts are keeping a close eye on the five-way contest for the Cayman Brac East seat – the smallest district of the 19 in play today.

Per the 12:17pm update from the Elections Office, 63% of voters in the constituency have already voted.

And there’s a potential issue that may come into play for that pivotal result, as the Compass‘ Sarah Bridge reports.

Chevala Burke, deputy supervisor for elections and outgoing returning officer for the district told her some people weren’t able to vote as they hadn’t changed their address from Grand Cayman.

“We did have some individuals who are registered in other locations that we guided them as to where they could go… there were one or two persons who had moved over from Grand Cayman and hadn’t changed over their information with the registering officers,” she explained.

She added, “In that case they would need to speak with their registering officer and have that information changed, but those deadlines have well passed, so it would catch for the next election.”

With only 521 people eligible to vote in Cayman Brac East, small margins could have an impact on candidates’ finally tallies – and significance for the overall result.

Update at 12:50pm: Cost of living top issue for George Town East

In George Town East, where candidates Oscar Bodden (IND), Emily ‘Em’ DeCou (TCCP), Vassel ‘Bud’ Johnson (CINP), and Roy McTaggart (PPM) are facing off for the seat, voters shared with Compass reporters some of their most pressing concerns.

Abigail Bodden says cost of living is the most important factor for her as she goes to the polls.

“Affordability, our living situation is really important to address,” she told the Compass‘ Norma Connolly.

Update at 12:40pm: West Bay West voting turnout lags

The latest count from the Elections Office has turnout for West Bay West behind the other 18 constituencies, at 28% by the 12:15pm update.

West Bay South, by contrast, is up at 52% – more indicative of the numbers across the rest of Cayman.

Compass reporter Simon Boxall shared that voting in West Bay had started off briskly, but the lines have now slowed, although there is still a steady number of people passing through to cast their ballot at the polling station at the John A. Cumber Primary School.

Traffic on the road was a little congested and confused by the West Bay North location, he reported (New Testament Church of God on West Bay Road, Boatswain Bay), but at all of the four polling stations in West Bay, the people were positive about the process and exercising their democratic right.

Update at 12:15pm: Complaints and issues

While reports from voters have almost universally praised the smooth sailing voting process, Elections Supervisor Wesley Howell has shared with the Compass they are also aware of some issues so far.

These have included complaints about candidates and their agents spending too much time at polling stations, as well as some political signs remaining up – both of which are prohibited by elections rules.

Under Section 56 of the Elections Act, “no candidate and his agent, or two agents of the same candidate, shall be in the same polling station at the same time for more than fifteen consecutive minutes”.

The signs in question were posters promoting one side of the cruise referendum question, rather than candidates’ billboards.

Update at midday: Watch CompassTV live

Tune in to CompassTV’s midday update for the latest as Cayman heads to the polls.

Andrel Harris caught up with Elections Supervisor Wesley Howell who said he was pleased with turnout so far, which has seen some districts already break the 50% mark for turnout.

Howell also shared the average wait time is under 5 minutes for constituents to cast their vote.

He clarified children are not permitted within the polling station; the Compass had received conflicting reports earlier today about some people being permitted inside with children and others being prevented from doing so.

Update at 11:50am: How to fill out your ballot

The Elections Office has issued an ‘urgent bulletin’ with information for voters on how to fill out their ballot papers.

According to the missive, the ballot paper is laid out as a single page with the name of candidates for the district at the top, and the three referendum questions below. 

To vote, place an X in the box to the right of your chosen candidate, and an X to the right of either “Yes” or “No” for each referendum question.

Voters are not required to vote for a candidate, if they choose not to.

Equally, they can vote on all, some, or none of the referendum questions.

However, the office cautions that the following will spoil the ballot and lead to votes not being counted in the official tally:

• Vote for one candidate only. Marking more than one candidate will invalidate your vote in that section.

• Vote once per referendum question. Marking both “Yes” and “No” will invalidate your vote for that question.

• Ballot papers that are marked in a way that could identify the voter will be rejected.

The office advises that if you accidentally spoil your ballot paper, you can return it to the presiding officer and request a replacement. 

Update at 11:30am: Turnout reaches 40%

The latest count from the Elections Office puts turnout so far in this election at 41%.

That takes into account postal and mobile voting, as well as the number of people who have voted in person at their district’s polling location so far this morning.

By comparison, elections were held earlier this week in Trinidad and Tobago, which saw total voter turnout hover around the 54% mark.

According to local media reports, this is fewer votes than in the 2020 vote, when the turnout was 58% of the 1,134,136-strong electorate.

Meanwhile in Canada, Mark Carney’s Liberal Party won enough seats to form a government, where turnout according to preliminary results from Election Canada saw 69% of registered electors having voted.

Cayman Brac East is now the district with the highest turnout so far, seeing 52% of eligible voters have their say.

Update at 11:15am: Voters on the Brac share key issues

In the key seat of Cayman Brac East, voters shared with Compass reporter Sarah Bridge what some of their major priorities were when voting.

Danny Rose said education, housing, and employment were his three biggest priorities.

“The Brac is coming on in a nice way,” he shared, adding, “I’ve lived here a long time and a few years back, the Brac wasn’t like this. The Brac is moving at speed and I like it.”

He shared that once he had cast his vote, he would enjoy the rest of the day with a pot of chicken soup and watch some TV.

Update at 10:50am: Election observers visit polling locations

Rob Ward, with the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association group of international election observers, and two of his colleagues were at the George Town Central polling station at Constitution Hall, when voting opened earlier this morning.

Ward told the Compass that he and other teams would be spread out across Cayman to observe the election process.

“We’ll be moving around the polling stations throughout the day and indeed across the islands… and getting a real feel for your elections as they go on today,” he said.

The observers will prepare a preliminary report which will be released at a press conference on Friday, with a final report issued within two months.

It is the fourth time an association team has observed Cayman’s elections, the last time in 2021, which was carried out remotely because of COVID-19 restrictions.

They will assess the election against international standards, commitments and obligations, as well as Caymanian laws.

Anyone who wants to assist the mission can contact them at [email protected].

Update at 10:30am: Races to watch

Compass analysis has pinpointed a number of pivotal seats to watch, that could be key to the ultimate make-up of the next government.

Cayman Brac East
The contest between Juliana O’Connor-Connolly (PPM), Dan Scott (CINP), Ruth Ann Bodden (IND), James Albert Christian (IND), and Maxine McCoy-Moore (IND) could be a serious indicator for how the wider results will pan out. The five contenders are vying for a small amount of votes in Cayman’s smallest constituency.

Prospect
The seat was too close to call in 2021 and sees all three major parties represented this time around. It’s likely to be a tight three-horse race between Sabrina Turner (TCCP), Crystal Gomez Wilson (PPM) and Michael Myles (CINP).

Update at 9:45am: Turnout surpasses 25% of electorate

According to the latest numbers from the Elections Office live reporting, updated at 9:20am, the total number of voters has now reached 6,412, which represents 25.04% of the electorate.

This includes mobile and postal votes, as well as in-person electors.

The office also notes an average 3-minute wait time across the polling stations.

Cayman Brac West and Little Cayman is still the district with the highest turnout so far, having seen 33% of eligible voters cast their ballots so far.

Cayman traditionally sees a high turnout every election, with just shy of 74% of registered voters casting their ballot in 2021 and almost 75% in 2017.

Polling agent Cheryl Rogers at the West Bay Central polling station told Compass reporter Simon Boxall the morning had been “fairly busy” with a “steady flow of voters presenting to utilise their democratic right”.

West Bay Central is currently reporting 19% of voters have cast their ballots so far.

In Bodden Town East – where the above footage was shot – the second largest constituency in Cayman has seen 24% of the electorate vote so far, the majority of whom have attended the polling station at Francine Gardner Hall (BT Primary School).

Cayman’s largest constituency is West Bay South, which is reporting 27% turnout so far.

Update at 9:15am: Report from voters in Newlands

Shanda Gallego, stationed at ICCI, said even outside the 300-foot polling station exclusion zone, a long line of voters was visible under the bright sun, to a soundtrack of Cayman parrots.

In spite of the wait, she reported voters were chatting with one another, having come prepared with umbrellas and water.

They shared the process at this polling station was smooth, without a long wait, and that families and young people had shown up.

There is police presence and extra security in the area, she added.

Speaking to the Compass, one voter said everything went well but he wished that there was a set-up for the senior citizens.

Another couple added the process was quick and they had had no issues.

The woman added she was proud and happy that she exercised her democratic right and sported her “I voted” sticker, which everyone receives once they vote.

“The process ran smoothly. It was well organised… everybody is in a good mood, seeing a lot of family, friends, and acquaintances.”

She said while there was a line, it ran quickly. “Everybody was calm, cool, and collected

The voter added, “I leave in the hands of God. I feel that there is a need for some movement and possibly to see our islands go further and better in this world and also for our future children and grandchildren to see what is going to be the Cayman Islands… that we’re going to leave a mark on this map; that we will grow in strength and unity and not division because at the end of the day, it’s our children and our grandchildren that have to live here and have to remain here and that’s important.

Update at 8:45am: Electors on the voting process so far

Voters are largely reporting the election process has been smooth so far.

In Cayman Brac East, voter Sioe Bazil reported the process was “very smooth and organised – I did what I had to do, 1 2 3 and boom, out the door”.

Gary Walton described voting in that district as “beautiful,” noting “it was a smooth as a cucumber”. He said he voted early to avoid the traffic.

Catch up with what voters had to say in Bodden Town, who also reported a voting process that “couldn’t be better”.

Update at 8:30am: Turnout between 7-8am

Andrel Harris, stationed for the Compass at GAB, shared the latest turnout figures straight from Elections HQ.

Reports from Compass team members have indicated a steady flow of voters since polls opened at 7am. The official number who have cast their votes so far between 7 and 8am is 794.

According to the official breakdown, voters on the Brac and Little Cayman have shown up in the highest numbers so far, with Cayman Brac West and Little Cayman already seeing 14.71% of voters cast their ballot.

That’s the proportion who have voted using mobile, postal or in-person options before 8am.

West Bay West has so far seen the lowest turnout, with 7.03% of the electorate having had their say before 8am.

More hour-by-hour updates from the elections office can be found here.

Update at 8:20am: Candidates among the voters

Compass reporters are stationed across the width, depth and breadth of Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac, delivering live updates throughout the day.

You can follow real-time coverage throughout the day on this blog and can also tune in to live updates from CompassTV at 12pm, 3pm, and then live from 5pm until the count is done.

Watch on compasstv.ky or on Digicel+ Channel 122, Logic Channel 22, C3 Channel 22, or FLOW Channel 102.

A number of the 58 aspiring MPs have already cast their votes so far this morning, reporters across the Brac and Grand Cayman report.

Update at 7:40am: Voting under way across Cayman

Compass staff reported queues in West Bay West, Bodden Town West and Savannah as electors came out early to get their votes done early.

At Savannah Primary School, voters told Shanda Gallego the process was quick and seamless, once they entered the polling station and they didn’t have to wait long.

A number of families and young people were also showing up. Lots of police presence and extra security in the area.

Voters leaving George Town Central also reported that casting their ballots was a very smooth and organised process. Those who joined the queue shortly after 7am say it’s taking about 15 minutes to get through the line.

In East End, Compass reporters noted a steady turnout, with voters struggling to find parking spaces close to the William Allen McLaughlin Civic Centre.

Update at 7am: The polls are open

Polling stations in Cayman’s 19 electoral districts are now open for voters to pick their next representatives and have their say in Cayman’s referendums.

A line of early morning voters has already formed outside Constitution Hall, in George Town Central.

Election observers were also present at the district, as voting got under way.

One voter was turned away from the polling station for wearing a shirt displaying political affiliation, which falls foul of the rules in place for election day. An attempt to cover up the T-shirt was unsuccessful, before she was eventually allowed to cast her vote…. after turning the shirt inside out!

Read this explainer from the Compass‘ Norma Connolly on these rules and everything else you need to know before heading to the polls, which will be open until 6pm this evening.

Not sure which polling station to vote at? You can see the full list of locations here.

Update at 6:40am: First indicators of turnout

As we count down to the polls opening at 7am for in-person voters, the Elections Office has shared some statistics about the number of people choosing mobile voting options.

This year, 2,382 ballots were issued through what it calls absentee (postal) and early mobile voting, representing just under 10% of all registered voters.

The office noted that “early voter turnout has already exceeded comparable figures from the last general election”.

According to an update at the close of mobile voting on Sunday, 1,345 voters had used early-voting stations across the islands.

An additional 1,037 postal ballots were issued to electors who are off-island today and unable to vote in person at a polling station.

In 2021, there were 719 mobile voters and 582 postal ballots were issued.

Update at 6:20am: Road closures on Grand Cayman

While Cayman’s roads should be quieter than usual as the islands mark a public holiday for the general election, there are some road closures to look out for.

These will be operational until midnight on Thursday, 1 May and have been put in place to ensure the 100 yard (300 ft) exclusion zone around polling stations.

George Town Central:

Fort Street will be closed between Seafarers Way and Mary Street. While Edward Street will be closed between Mary Street and Dr. Roy’s Drive. Traffic travelling northbound on Edward Street will be diverted onto Dr. Roy’s Drive.

George Town West:

There will be a partial lane closure on Smith Road between Cayman Prep School and the intersection with Huldah Avenue. The left westbound lane will be closed, and people travelling westbound (towards Walkers Road) will use the middle (turning) lane. As a result, people travelling eastbound will be unable to turn right at the traffic lights, but must continue straight towards Crewe Road.

West Bay North:

Boatswain Bay Road will be closed between Watercourse Road and Sand Hole Road.

West Bay South:

West Church Street will be closed between Elizabeth Street and West Bay Road (four-way junction).

Local access will be permitted.

Update at 6:10am: The seal is broken

CompassTV’s Andrel Harris was at the Government Administration Building where, shortly before 5am, the seal was officially broken by Elections Supervisor Wesley Howell.

Prayers were said by Elections Office staff, before ballots were loaded into waiting transport, and staff departed to their respective polling station.

They left in order, based on the length of distance they needed to travel, with eastern districts leaving first.

It’s election day in Cayman

The candidate billboards are down and the polling stations are ready to open at 7am as voters across the Cayman Islands prepare to choose a new government and vote on three issues in the referendum.

You can follow live updates throughout the day on this blog from the Compass Media team stationed across Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac.

You can also tune in to live updates from CompassTV at 7am, 12pm, 3pm, and then live from 5pm until the count is done.

Watch on compasstv.ky or on Digicel+ Channel 122, Logic Channel 22, C3 Channel 22, or FLOW Channel 102.

The vote

There are 58 candidates vying for 19 constituency seats. Any party or group that commands the support of at least 10 MPs will be eligible to form the next government and choose the next premier.

On top of electing a preferred candidate to represent the district as an MP, voters will also be asked to decide on three referendum questions.

These questions are:

• Should the Cayman Islands develop cruise berthing infrastructure?
• Do you support the introduction of a national lottery in the Islands?
• Do you support the decriminalisation of the consumption and possession of small amounts of cannabis?

The new government will not be bound by the results of the referendums.

Here’s how to cast your ballot

Read this explainer from the Compass‘ Norma Connolly on all you need to know before heading to the polls.

Polling stations open today at 7am and will close at 6pm.

You can only vote at your assigned polling station and you’ll need to bring a valid photo ID with you.

You vote by placing an X to the right of your favoured candidate’s name.

For the referendums, place an X in the box next to ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ for each question.

Read more guidance from the Elections Office here.

Where is my polling station?

There are 19 polling stations, one for each electoral district. See the full list of locations here.

Weather forecast

Want to know the best time to vote to avoid getting too hot or caught in the rain? Simon Boxall has you covered.

The overall outlook looks set to be good, mostly dry and sunny and not too hot.

Caroline James and James Whittaker authored this blog, with updates provided by Compass Media teams stationed around Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac.