The Bahamas is a Constitutional Monarchy with a Governor General and a bicameral parliamentary system.

Size: px
Start display at page:

Download "The Bahamas is a Constitutional Monarchy with a Governor General and a bicameral parliamentary system."

Transcription

1 The Structure of The Bahamas Electoral Body The Bahamas is a Constitutional Monarchy with a Governor General and a bicameral parliamentary system. The lower House is made up of single member constituencies, the members of which are elected by universal adult suffrage, using the first past the post system. The Upper House is an appointed Body. The Election Management Body in the Bahamas is called the Parliamentary Registration Department. This is a Department of the Central Government and comes under the oversight of a Cabinet Minister. The Parliamentary Commissioner heads the Department. Unlike other department heads The Parliamentary Commissioner is a constitutionally appointed officer. The terms of his appointment and service are set out in the Constitution and the election laws. The Constitution states that (i) There shall be a Parliamentary Commissioner whose office shall be a public office. (iv) He shall be appointed by the Governor-General acting on the recommendation of the Prime Minister after consultation with the leader of the opposition, by Instrument under the Public Seal. He shall hold office until he attains the age of sixty-five (65) years; but there is provision for the extension of the age limit to sixty- eight (68) years. The Parliamentary Commissioner may only be removed from office for inability to discharge his functions, or, for misbehavior, following a recommendation to the Governor-General by a Tribunal specially appointed to review his behavior. Duties of the Parliamentary Commissioner 1) The Parliamentary Commissioner shall have general responsibility for and shall supervise the registration of elections for the election of members to the House of Assembly and the conduct of elections for such members and shall have powers and such other functions relating to such registration and such elections as may be prescribed. 2) The other prescribed duties are outlined in the Parliamentary Elections Act and the Local Government Act. 3) The Parliamentary Commissioner maintains the electoral register. This means that he must see to it that there is always a register in readiness

2 should an election be called. The Act says that a register of voters shall be prepared and shall thereafter be revised and amended from day to day, in accordance with stipulations that are outlined. 4) The register in being in the Bahamas has a life of five years. This means that a new register is prepared every five years. Not only is a register prepare, electoral boundaries are also changed/adjusted every five years. 5) The Parliamentary Commissioner also organizes and conducts Local Government Elections. These elections are held every three years. In these elections Local Government Town Committees and District Councillors are elected in the various Family Island Districts in the Bahamas. Structure of Department It is the duty of the Parliamentary Commissioner to structure his office in such a way that it can carry out its various functions effectively. Geographically the Bahamas is a large country, with over one hundred thousand square miles of land and sea. There are many islands with varying population sizes. The Department must be staffed and organized in such a way that it can effectively carry out its mandate. Staffing: The Act states that in the performance of his duties the Parliamentary Commissioner shall be assisted by such number of Deputy Parliamentary Commissioners and other officers of the Department as the Governor General, acting in accordance with the advice of the Public Service Commission, may appoint from time to time. This in effect means that the Parliamentary Commissioner must develop an operational structure and identify persons to perform particular tasks. These officers appointed are public officers, so understandably they are drawn from the general pool of public officers. The selection and training of staff is key to maintaining a healthy electoral system because, in all circumstances the conduct of an election must be accomplished effectively and impartially. The quality and training of the staff can have a profound impact on the conduct of voter registration and the elections. The staff complement in the Department varies depending on the task at hand. When a voter registration drive or an election is approaching the staff numbers will increase. After these events the numbers fall. This places a particular burden on the Department because there is always the need to ensure that persons deployed are specially prepared for the tasks they have to perform. The Parliamentary Commissioner makes recommendations for the selection of persons he wishes to have deployed into the Department. This situation becomes particularly acute when selecting persons to work in the two major population centers of Nassau and Freeport. 2

3 The national office is based in Nassau and that office is responsible for the overall structural setup of the Department. In that office you will find the Administrative base and the Computer Centre. That office would also be responsible for dealings with Political Parties, the Media, non governmental organizations, interest groups and international organizations. The Freeport office is a regional office. It works in conjunction with the National office in carrying out the national objectives. In the other islands the Parliamentary Commissioner works through the various Family Island Administrators Offices. Through these offices he is able to reach all sectors of the country and can organize and control voter registration and elections. Once staff has been identified and deployed then begins the task of training. This has to be on two levels. Firstly, personnel must understand the nature of the work they are involved in and secondly they have to be fully conversant with the duties they are expected to perform. The Parliamentary Commissioner therefore has to have a proper training programme in place and that programme has to be presented carefully and deliberately. Persons must come to understand that they are servants of the people and as such there must be no semblance of partisanship in their attitude or behavior. The Department is accountable to the entire electorate within the laws and must act accordingly. Their conduct must be transparent and open to scrutiny and they must always work to lift the standards of the Department and to protect the integrity of the System. The training of staff must be relevant to the roles they will have to play. Revising officers for example, must thoroughly understand the requirements for voter registration. Applicants for registration must be able to prove that they are citizens of the Bahamas and must be able to describe exactly where they live because people can only vote in the area where they reside. Persons performing the roles of Returning Officers and Presiding Officers at an election must fully understand their duties and must comply with all the relevant provisions of the law. Interaction with Political Parties: The Parliamentary Elections Act does not set out any particular regulations regarding the establishing of political parties or what type of relationship should exist between the Election Management Body and the parties. For a long time in the history of the Country, there were no political parties. All candidates offering themselves for elective office did so as independents. After elections elected persons would work together, depending on individual interests, to make decisions for the Country. Political Parties came on the scene in the 1950s and since that time they have become entrenched in the Political System. 3

4 Today there are two (2) major Political Parties and a number of smaller parties. The two major parties normally contest all Parliamentary seats and it is almost a given that at the end of the day one of then will form the Government of the Country. Needless to say, they are very much concerned about what happens in the Department - and are in constant contact. The Department understands that the political parties play an integral part in our political system. They are important and special stakeholders and they play a vital role in authenticating and legitimizing the electoral process and are free to offer ideas and suggestions. During the period leading up to the 2007 General Elections, meetings were convened between the Parliamentary Commissioner and the Chairpersons of the various Political Parties. The major purposes of the meetings were to ensure that - (i) there was an open avenue of communication; to provide update on what the Department was doing regarding voter registration and preparation for elections; and to hear their views and get input on what they thought should be happening. The participants appreciated the holding of the meetings and suggested that the communication should continue. The interaction is ongoing. Having open communications provide benefits for all concerned. The parties use voter registration information to direct their campaigns and to get out the vote. It also helps the Department by assisting in verifying the accuracy of the register. The Political Parties through their efforts can: (i) Ensure that the name of every person who is registered appears on the list; Help to guarantee the accuracy of the information on the list; (iv) Discover persons who may be ineligible but whose names may be on the list; Encourage eligible persons to register if they had not already done so; and 4

5 (v) Inform people where they can go to be registered and to vote. The voter registration process in the Bahamas is quite open. The list of person added to the register are always available to all political groups or interested individuals. Names are added on a daily basis and challenges can be raised against names that should not appear on the register. If such challenges are raised, the person challenged must show reasons why his name should not be moved as well as the challenger must defend his challenge. At the time of election, all parties have access to the polling stations. They monitor the process from start to finish, they know how many ballots are received, how many are used, or unused and they monitor the count. After the count, they accompany the boxes to the places where they are stored. They may also get certified copies of the count from each polling station. Needless to say the political parties have an input in the drawing of all political boundaries and the enactment of electoral laws. During the process of registration and elections all the Parties desire is equality and fair play in the application of the laws. The Parliamentary Registration Department recognizes that as the custodian of the Bahamian Democratic System, it must retain the confidence of its public so it works hard to maintain the confidence of all parties and stakeholder in the electoral System and to deliver good elections. 5

The Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections (BERSIH 2.0)

The Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections (BERSIH 2.0) The Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections (BERSIH 2.0) Electoral Reform Action Plan May 2018 1.0 Introduction 1.1 The Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections (BERSIH 2.0) is a coalition of 92 nongovernmental

More information

Bersih s Demands for Electoral Reforms

Bersih s Demands for Electoral Reforms Bersih s Demands for Electoral Reforms Bersih 2007 1.Usage of Indelible Ink (which has already been agreed to by the Electoral Commission, but later scrapped) 2.Clean-up of Registered Voters Roll 3.Abolition

More information

Republika e Kosovës Republika Kosovo-Republic of Kosovo Kuvendi - Skupština - Assembly ON LOCAL ELECTIONS IN THE REPUBLIC OF KOSOVO

Republika e Kosovës Republika Kosovo-Republic of Kosovo Kuvendi - Skupština - Assembly ON LOCAL ELECTIONS IN THE REPUBLIC OF KOSOVO Republika e Kosovës Republika Kosovo-Republic of Kosovo Kuvendi - Skupština - Assembly Law No. 03/L-072 ON LOCAL ELECTIONS IN THE REPUBLIC OF KOSOVO The Assembly of Republic of Kosovo, Based on Article

More information

BERMUDA MUNICIPALITIES AMENDMENT ACT : 3

BERMUDA MUNICIPALITIES AMENDMENT ACT : 3 QUO FA T A F U E R N T BERMUDA MUNICIPALITIES AMENDMENT ACT 2015 2015 : 3 TABLE OF CONTENTS 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Citation Amends section 1 Amends section 9 Amends section 9A Amends section 9B Inserts

More information

Part A (Acting) Returning Officer role and responsibilities

Part A (Acting) Returning Officer role and responsibilities Part A (Acting) Returning Officer role and responsibilities UK Parliamentary elections in Great Britain: guidance for (Acting) Returning Officers Published April 2017 (updated December 2017) In this guidance

More information

Part A (Acting) Returning Officer role and responsibilities

Part A (Acting) Returning Officer role and responsibilities Part A (Acting) Returning Officer role and responsibilities UK Parliamentary elections in Great Britain: guidance for (Acting) Returning Officers Published April 2017 (updated December 2017) In this guidance

More information

Part A Returning Officer role and responsibilities

Part A Returning Officer role and responsibilities Part A Returning Officer role and responsibilities Local government and European Parliamentary elections in England on 22 May 2014: guidance for Returning Officers Translations and other formats For information

More information

11/26/2009. Parliament: The legislative (law-making) part of the government, made up of: Monarch Senate House of Commons

11/26/2009. Parliament: The legislative (law-making) part of the government, made up of: Monarch Senate House of Commons The Parliament of Canada Federal (Ottawa) When Canada became a nation, the British North America (BNA) Act guaranteed that Canada would be under a parliamentary democracy. The ruling party in the House

More information

TENDRING DISTRICT COUNCIL JOB DESCRIPTION. Job Title: Elections Manager Post No: Department: Corporate Services Grade: 9-10

TENDRING DISTRICT COUNCIL JOB DESCRIPTION. Job Title: Elections Manager Post No: Department: Corporate Services Grade: 9-10 TENDRING DISTRICT COUNCIL JOB DESCRIPTION Job Title: Elections Manager Post No: 10001355 Department: Corporate Services Grade: 9-10 Reports to: Head of Democratic Services 1. JOB PURPOSE To be responsible

More information

SECURITY IN THE ELECTIONS 17th Annual Conference of ACEEEO. Constanza, Romania, September Concept paper

SECURITY IN THE ELECTIONS 17th Annual Conference of ACEEEO. Constanza, Romania, September Concept paper SECURITY IN THE ELECTIONS 17th Annual Conference of ACEEEO Constanza, Romania, 11-13 September 2008 Concept paper 1. Role of the law enforcement bodies (police) in the security of the elections Election

More information

FAFEN Position Paper on Federal Framework Legislation for the Conduct of LG Elections

FAFEN Position Paper on Federal Framework Legislation for the Conduct of LG Elections FAFEN Position Paper on Federal Framework Legislation for the Conduct of LG Elections 1 Contents Background... 3 1. Responsibility to Conduct Local Government Elections... 5 2. Phased Local Government

More information

The Electoral Commission, Uganda. Launching of the Strategic Plan. and. Roadmap to the 2021 General Elections

The Electoral Commission, Uganda. Launching of the Strategic Plan. and. Roadmap to the 2021 General Elections The Electoral Commission, Uganda Launching of the Strategic Plan and Roadmap to the 2021 General Elections 11 th December, 2018 1.0 Background Articles 60, 61 and 62 of the Constitution of the Republic

More information

The Political Parties and Elections Act in action

The Political Parties and Elections Act in action The Political Parties and Elections Act in action The Political Parties and Elections Act became law in July. It introduces a range of significant changes to how political parties are regulated. As well

More information

Part A Local Returning Officer role and responsibilities. European Parliamentary election: guidance for Local Returning Officers

Part A Local Returning Officer role and responsibilities. European Parliamentary election: guidance for Local Returning Officers Part A Local Returning Officer role and responsibilities European Parliamentary election: guidance for Local Returning Officers Translations and other formats For information on obtaining this publication

More information

Brain Wrinkles. Africa s. Republic of Kenya & Republic of South Africa

Brain Wrinkles. Africa s. Republic of Kenya & Republic of South Africa Africa s Republic of Kenya & Republic of South Africa Government Systems Who has the power? Unitary--power is held by one central authority Confederation--association of independent states that agree to

More information

Guidance for candidates and agents

Guidance for candidates and agents Greater London Authority (GLA) election Guidance for candidates and agents Overview document This document applies to the May 2016 Greater London Authority election, covering the election of the Mayor

More information

Open Government and Democracy Policy

Open Government and Democracy Policy Open Government and Democracy Policy Spokesperson: James Shaw MP Updated: 16-Jan-2015 Vision The Green Party envisions an Aotearoa New Zealand in which: The government operates in a relationship with tangata

More information

Co.Co.A. Constitutional Rights of Local Government. Lithuania. Prepared by: Vitalija Tamavičiūt

Co.Co.A. Constitutional Rights of Local Government. Lithuania. Prepared by: Vitalija Tamavičiūt Co.Co.A. Comparing Constitutional Adjudication A Summer School on Comparative Interpretation of European Constitutional Jurisprudence 2nd Edition - 2007 Constitutional Rights of Local Government Lithuania

More information

CONSTITUTION OF THE REPUBLIC OF FIJI

CONSTITUTION OF THE REPUBLIC OF FIJI CONSTITUTION OF THE REPUBLIC OF FIJI CHAPTER 3 PARLIAMENT Part A LEGISLATIVE AUTHORITY Legislative authority and power of Parliament 46. (1) The authority and power to make laws for the State is vested

More information

Referendum on Mixed Member Proportional Representation: Options

Referendum on Mixed Member Proportional Representation: Options In Confidence Office of the Minister of Justice Cabinet Referendum on Mixed Member Proportional Representation: Options Proposal 1. This paper invites Cabinet to make policy decisions on the timing and

More information

Part A Returning Officer role and responsibilities

Part A Returning Officer role and responsibilities Part A Returning Officer role and responsibilities Local government elections in England and Wales: guidance for Returning Officers Published October 2016 (last updated November 2017) In this guidance

More information

Hustings for elections being held in 2017

Hustings for elections being held in 2017 Situations and procedures Hustings for elections being held in 2017 This document is for non-party campaigners who want to know good practice for holding hustings and when hustings may be regulated. Contents:

More information

10/6/2015. Federal (Ottawa)

10/6/2015. Federal (Ottawa) Federal (Ottawa) 1 2 3 The Parliament of Canada 4 When Canada became a nation, the British North America (BNA) Act guaranteed that Canada would be under a parliamentary democracy. The ruling party in the

More information

DRAFT OPINION ON LEGISLATIVE PROVISIONS CONCERNING EARLY ELECTIONS IN UKRAINE. on the basis of comments by

DRAFT OPINION ON LEGISLATIVE PROVISIONS CONCERNING EARLY ELECTIONS IN UKRAINE. on the basis of comments by Strasbourg, 29 May 2007 Opinion no. 439 / 2007 CDL(2007)047* Engl. only EUROPEAN COMMISSION FOR DEMOCRACY THROUGH LAW (VENICE COMMISSION) DRAFT OPINION ON LEGISLATIVE PROVISIONS CONCERNING EARLY ELECTIONS

More information

Electoral Reforms in Pakistan

Electoral Reforms in Pakistan Electoral Reforms in Pakistan Ahmed Bilal Mehboob PILDAT: www.pildat.org East-West Center Deepening Democracy Through Media in Pakistan National Alumni Conference 2014 October 18, 2014 1 Context Pakistan

More information

RUNNING FOR MUNICIPAL COUNCIL: What you need to know

RUNNING FOR MUNICIPAL COUNCIL: What you need to know 1. How Municipal Government is Structured The council of the Town of Rosetown has a mayor (elected at large) and six (6) councillors. Contact the administrator of your municipality for further information.

More information

5312 Cap. 243.] Local Governments CHAPTER 243. THE LOCAL GOVERNMENTS ACT. Commencement: 24 March, 1997.

5312 Cap. 243.] Local Governments CHAPTER 243. THE LOCAL GOVERNMENTS ACT. Commencement: 24 March, 1997. CHAPTER 243 THE LOCAL GOVERNMENTS ACT. Commencement: 24 March, 1997. An Act to amend, consolidate and streamline the existing law on local governments in line with the Constitution to give effect to the

More information

Elections and the election law. Electoral System

Elections and the election law. Electoral System Elections and the election law Electoral System Electoral System Characteristic of the (current) Dutch electoral system - in international perspective - is its accessibility. Citizens and political parties

More information

REPORT TO OSCE/ODIHR RESPONSE TO OSCE'S ELECTION EXPERT TEAM REPORT FROM THE 2017 PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS

REPORT TO OSCE/ODIHR RESPONSE TO OSCE'S ELECTION EXPERT TEAM REPORT FROM THE 2017 PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS REPORT TO OSCE/ODIHR RESPONSE TO OSCE'S ELECTION EXPERT TEAM REPORT FROM THE 2017 PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS Introduction Following an invitation from the Norwegian government, the OSCE Office for Democratic

More information

Tiso Blackstar Group SE. (Registration No: SE ) King IV Report on Corporate Governance

Tiso Blackstar Group SE. (Registration No: SE ) King IV Report on Corporate Governance Tiso Blackstar Group SE (Registration No: SE 000110) King IV Report on Corporate Governance Policy 2017 Application of King IV Report on Corporate Governance for South Africa 2017 Tiso Blackstar Group

More information

Ballot Canvassing. Jennifer J. Edwards, Collier County Supervisor of Elections

Ballot Canvassing. Jennifer J. Edwards, Collier County Supervisor of Elections Ballot Canvassing Jennifer J. Edwards, Collier County Supervisor of Elections 1 Canvassing Board Members and Responsibilities Determine Canvassing Board members: County Judge, Chair Supervisor of Elections

More information

Content. Message from the CEO Our Organization Our Mandate Our Mission Our Vision Our Strategic Priorities Our Core Values Our Environment Conclusion

Content. Message from the CEO Our Organization Our Mandate Our Mission Our Vision Our Strategic Priorities Our Core Values Our Environment Conclusion Content Message from the CEO Our Organization Our Mandate Our Mission Our Vision Our Strategic Priorities Our Core Values Our Environment Conclusion 2 3 5 5 5 6 7 8 11 Deloitte LLP and affiliated entities

More information

Section 2. The People of the City of Berkeley hereby amend the following sections of the Charter of the City of Berkeley as follows:

Section 2. The People of the City of Berkeley hereby amend the following sections of the Charter of the City of Berkeley as follows: AMENDMENTS TO CITY OF BERKELEY CHARTER ARTICLE III (ELECTIONS) AND MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 2.12 (ELECTION REFORM ACT) TO CREATE A FAIR ELECTIONS PUBLIC CAMPAIGN FINANCING SYSTEM Section 1. FINDINGS The

More information

Métis Nation of Ontario Secretariat Act, 2015 Bill 153 Backgrounder and Frequently Asked Questions

Métis Nation of Ontario Secretariat Act, 2015 Bill 153 Backgrounder and Frequently Asked Questions Métis Nation of Ontario Secretariat Act, 2015 Bill 153 Backgrounder and Frequently Asked Questions On December 1, 2015, the Ontario legislature introduced the Métis Nation of Ontario Secretariat Act, 2015

More information

ELECTORAL REGISTRATION IN NORTHERN IRELAND

ELECTORAL REGISTRATION IN NORTHERN IRELAND Consultation Paper ELECTORAL REGISTRATION IN NORTHERN IRELAND Proposals on the future of Electoral Registration in Northern Ireland Comments on these proposals are invited and should be made to the address

More information

KINGDOM OF CAMBODIA NATION KING RELIGION

KINGDOM OF CAMBODIA NATION KING RELIGION KINGDOM OF CAMBODIA NATION KING RELIGION ROYAL GOVERNMENT OF CAMBODIA STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK FOR DECENTRALIZATION AND DE-CONCENTRATION REFORMS 17 June 2005 Unofficial translation from the original text in

More information

Report. of the. Independent Review Commission on the General Elections held in Kenya on 27 December 2007

Report. of the. Independent Review Commission on the General Elections held in Kenya on 27 December 2007 Report of the Independent Review Commission on the General Elections held in Kenya on 27 December 2007 TABLE OF CONTENTS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ix CHAPTER 1: THE ELECTIONS IN KENYA: INTRODUCTION Page 1 1.1

More information

President of the National Election Office

President of the National Election Office President of the National Election Office Report by the President of the National Election Office on the organisation and implementation of the state duties related to the 2014 European Parliament elections

More information

LEGAL COMPLIANCE TO THE SUPREME COURT JUDGMENT IN PREPARATION FOR THE 26 OCTOBER 2017 FRESH PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION

LEGAL COMPLIANCE TO THE SUPREME COURT JUDGMENT IN PREPARATION FOR THE 26 OCTOBER 2017 FRESH PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION LEGAL COMPLIANCE TO THE SUPREME COURT JUDGMENT IN PREPARATION FOR THE 26 OCTOBER 2017 FRESH PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION NO. SUPREME COURT 1. Paragraph 272 Failure to electronically transmit results from the

More information

Describing the Framework

Describing the Framework Governance in the Cayman Islands Government Describing the Framework Photo credit G.I.S. December 2013 Our independent work promotes good governance, transparency and accountability in the use of public

More information

National Electoral Commission (NEC) OAU Drive, Tower Hill. Freetown. Sierra Leone

National Electoral Commission (NEC) OAU Drive, Tower Hill. Freetown. Sierra Leone National Electoral Commission (NEC) OAU Drive, Tower Hill Freetown Sierra Leone Position Paper on the Implications of the Postponement of the 2014 National Census from April 2015 to December 2015 on the

More information

Elections Ontario Privacy Policy

Elections Ontario Privacy Policy Elections Ontario Privacy Policy OFFICE OF THE CHIEF ELECTORAL OFFICER ELECTIONS ONTARIO November 2012 TABLE OF CONTENTS Section 1: Introduction... 3 Section 2: Definitions... 4 Section 3: Scope... 5 Section

More information

FRANCE. The bicameral Parliament of France is made up of the Senate and the National Assembly.

FRANCE. The bicameral Parliament of France is made up of the Senate and the National Assembly. FRANCE Dates of Elections: 28 September 1980 () 14 and 21 June 1981 (National Assembly) Purpose of Elections Elections were held to renew one-third (98) of the seats, of which 95 in metropolitan France,

More information

Namibian civil-military relations in the new millennium

Namibian civil-military relations in the new millennium Namibian civil-military relations in the new millennium Introduction Erastus I. Negonga Sound civil-military relations are pre-requisite to political control over the armed forces in a democratic society.

More information

GRADE NINE CANADA S FEDERAL POLITICAL SYSTEM CANADA PASSPORT

GRADE NINE CANADA S FEDERAL POLITICAL SYSTEM CANADA PASSPORT GRADE NINE CANADA S FEDERAL POLITICAL SYSTEM CANADA PASSPORT CHAPTER ONE How effectively does Canada s federal political system govern canada for all canadians? LEGISLATIVE BRANCH The Queen Canada is a

More information

Guidelines on the Conduct of Ministers, Ministers of State, Exempt Staff and Public Servants During an Election

Guidelines on the Conduct of Ministers, Ministers of State, Exempt Staff and Public Servants During an Election Guidelines on the Conduct of Ministers, Ministers of State, Exempt Staff and Public Servants During an Election Privy Council Office August 2015 Table of Contents 1. Introduction: The Caretaker Convention

More information

Direct Elections Act

Direct Elections Act Direct Elections Act Decision and Act concerning the election of the representatives of the European Parliament by direct universal suffrage Version as promulgated 20 September 1976 (Federal Law Gazette

More information

Elections Act Chapter 7 - continued

Elections Act Chapter 7 - continued Elections Act 2001 2001 Chapter 7 - continued An Act to postpone local elections in England and Wales and Northern Ireland, to require polls for different elections in Northern Ireland to be taken together

More information

Effective Relations: Roles of Mayors, Councilmembers, and Appointed Officials

Effective Relations: Roles of Mayors, Councilmembers, and Appointed Officials : Roles of Mayors, Councilmembers, and Appointed Officials One of the most important aspects of effective government is defining, understanding, and accepting the appropriate roles of elected and appointed

More information

Third Party Advertising Information Session Municipal Election. April 19 th, toronto.ca/elections 1

Third Party Advertising Information Session Municipal Election. April 19 th, toronto.ca/elections 1 Third Party Advertising Information Session 2018 Municipal Election April 19 th, 2018 toronto.ca/elections 1 Introductions Fiona Murray Deputy City Clerk, Election Services 416-392-8019; fiona.murray@toronto.ca

More information

Recommendations on Electoral and Political reforms National Election Watch (NEW) and Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR)

Recommendations on Electoral and Political reforms National Election Watch (NEW) and Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) Recommendations on Electoral and Political reforms National Election Watch (NEW) and Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) A: Recommendations for Electoral Reforms 1. Remove criminals from politics

More information

Community Governance Review Statement of Recommendations

Community Governance Review Statement of Recommendations Community Governance Review Statement of Recommendations September 2015 Statement of Recommendations of the review issued under sections 93 & 96 of the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health

More information

A Critique of the Urban Councils Act (Chapter 29:15)

A Critique of the Urban Councils Act (Chapter 29:15) A Critique of the Urban Councils Act (Chapter 29:15) TOPIC SECTION PARAPHRASED CONTENT ANALYSIS/ COMMENTS Minister wields too much power. 4A (1)(b) Appointed councilors representing special interests,

More information

Act on the Government Offices of Iceland 1)

Act on the Government Offices of Iceland 1) Official translation Act on the Government Offices of Iceland 1) Entered into force on 28 September 2011. Amended by Act no. 173/2011 (entered into force on 30 December 2011), Act no. 115/2012 (entered

More information

ITALY. Dates of Elections: June 20 and 21, 1976

ITALY. Dates of Elections: June 20 and 21, 1976 ITALY Dates of Elections: June 20 and 21, 1976 Purpose of Elections Elections were held for all the members of Parliament following premature dissolution of the legislature on May 1, 1976. Previous general

More information

March Referendum. on the law-making powers of the National Assembly for Wales. aboutmyvote.co.uk

March Referendum. on the law-making powers of the National Assembly for Wales. aboutmyvote.co.uk March Referendum on the law-making powers of the National Assembly for Wales aboutmyvote.co.uk This booklet has been produced by the Electoral Commission. The Electoral Commission is an independent body

More information

Election Commission and Elections

Election Commission and Elections Election Commission and Elections NCERT Democratic Politics 1. Chapter 4 Class 9 10x10learning.com 1 What is an Election? Election is the process by which citizens in a democracy choose their representatives

More information

IN CONFIDENCE IN CONFIDENCE. Briefing to the Incoming Minister Responsible for Ministerial Services

IN CONFIDENCE IN CONFIDENCE. Briefing to the Incoming Minister Responsible for Ministerial Services IN CONFIDENCE Briefing to the Incoming Minister Responsible for Ministerial Services Contents Introduction... 2 Part One: Roles and responsibilities... 3 Part Two: Strategic opportunities and challenges...

More information

NEWS RELEASE. Local election reforms take big money out of politics

NEWS RELEASE. Local election reforms take big money out of politics For Immediate Release 2017MAH0011-001832 Oct. 30, 2017 NEWS RELEASE Local election reforms take big money out of politics VICTORIA Campaign finance reforms announced today by the British Columbia government

More information

Government in Nova Scotia

Government in Nova Scotia Nova Scotia is one of 10 provinces and three territories that make up the federation of Canada. Canada is a constitutional monarchy, and the Head of State is Queen Elizabeth II, Sovereign of Canada. The

More information

Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada, represented by the President of the Treasury Board, 2011 Catalogue No. BT22-89/2012E-PDF ISBN

Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada, represented by the President of the Treasury Board, 2011 Catalogue No. BT22-89/2012E-PDF ISBN Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada, represented by the President of the Treasury Board, 2011 Catalogue No. BT22-89/2012E-PDF ISBN 978-1-100-20021-7 This document is available on the Treasury Board

More information

MANNINGHAM CITY COUNCIL

MANNINGHAM CITY COUNCIL Directions for a new Local Government Act Council Submission 30 August 2016 Chapter 1: Introduction No Directions Chapter 2: Contemporary councils capable of meeting future challenges Direction 1 proposes

More information

BOTSWANA ACCOUNTANCY OVERSIGHT AUTHORITY (BAOA)

BOTSWANA ACCOUNTANCY OVERSIGHT AUTHORITY (BAOA) BOTSWANA ACCOUNTANCY OVERSIGHT AUTHORITY (BAOA) BOARD CHARTER BOTSWANA ACCOUNTANCY OVERSIGHT AUTHORITY BOARD CHARTER 1 TABLE OF CONTENTS CONTENTS PAGE 1. OVERVIEW 3 2. PURPOSE 3 3. COMPOSITION 3 4. INDUCTION

More information

laying down detailed arrangements for the exercise of the right to vote and stand

laying down detailed arrangements for the exercise of the right to vote and stand No L 329/34 Official Journal of the European Communities 30. 12. 93 COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 93/ 109/EC of 6 December 1993 laying down detailed arrangements for the exercise of the right to vote and stand as

More information

Elections Ontario IDENTIFICATION: Position Title: Election Clerk Function: Election Readiness. Location: Prescribed Electoral District

Elections Ontario IDENTIFICATION: Position Title: Election Clerk Function: Election Readiness. Location: Prescribed Electoral District Elections Ontario POSITION DESCRIPTION IDENTIFICATION: Position Title: Election Clerk Function: Election Readiness Cluster: Wage Category: Position Code: Reports To: Returning Officer Location: Prescribed

More information

local authorities from appointment to various independent constitutional commissions.

local authorities from appointment to various independent constitutional commissions. 18 LOCAL GOVERNMENT 18.1 In earlier chapters, we have been concerned largely with reviewing and making recommendations on how government institutions and the exercise of political and administrative power

More information

COOPERATION WITH ODIHR IN FOLLOW UP TO THE ELECTION ASSESSMENT MISSION REPORT ON PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS IN NORWAY IN SEPTEMBER 2009

COOPERATION WITH ODIHR IN FOLLOW UP TO THE ELECTION ASSESSMENT MISSION REPORT ON PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS IN NORWAY IN SEPTEMBER 2009 COOPERATION WITH ODIHR IN FOLLOW UP TO THE ELECTION ASSESSMENT MISSION REPORT ON PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS IN NORWAY IN SEPTEMBER 2009 Presentation to the OSCE Human Dimension Committee by Marianne Riise,

More information

Join the Chelsea and Westminster team Guidance for prospective governors

Join the Chelsea and Westminster team Guidance for prospective governors Join the Chelsea and Westminster team Guidance for prospective governors Being a member of Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust means that you ve shown an interest in being involved with

More information

Democracy Indicators

Democracy Indicators In an attempt to determine the strengths and weaknesses of a particular democracy there needs to be a way look at the different components of democracy and evaluate how the government and society rate

More information

Roles and functions of Ombudsman and current complaint mechanisms in Pacific Islands

Roles and functions of Ombudsman and current complaint mechanisms in Pacific Islands Roles and functions of and current complaint mechanisms in Pacific Islands This paper details of how and non- complaint handling mechanism varies between different Pacific Islands. Key themes for consideration

More information

Part 1 Introduction to the Cooperative Council Constitution

Part 1 Introduction to the Cooperative Council Constitution Part 1 Introduction to the Cooperative Council Constitution Contents 1- The Constitution... 11 2 - The Council s Cooperative Ambition... 12 3 Councillors... 14 4 The rights of the public... 17 5 Decision

More information

The Constitution and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms

The Constitution and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms 6 The Constitution and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms Chapter Outline Constitutions and Constitutionality o Constitutional Functions Representation Power Rights Community, Identity, and Citizenship

More information

BOARD CHARTER. Owner: Vector s board of directors Approved: August 2016 Review: by August 2018

BOARD CHARTER. Owner: Vector s board of directors Approved: August 2016 Review: by August 2018 BOARD CHARTER Owner: Vector s board of directors Approved: August 2016 Review: by August 2018 Vector Limited is a leading New Zealand network infrastructure company with a portfolio of businesses delivering

More information

Township of Coleman Municipal Election Accessibility Plan

Township of Coleman Municipal Election Accessibility Plan 2018 Municipal Election Accessibility Plan Introduction This plan will address the specific accessibility requirements in relation to the 2018 Municipal Election in the Township of Coleman. In an effort

More information

CORPORATE POLICY. Municipal Election Protocol Policy

CORPORATE POLICY. Municipal Election Protocol Policy CORPORATE POLICY Municipal Election Protocol Policy SECTION: Communication SUBJECT: Municipal Election Protocol Policy EFFECTIVE DATE: January 2, 2014 Note: This Policy supersedes all other policies and

More information

August The 2004 European Parliamentary elections in the United Kingdom. Campaign spending

August The 2004 European Parliamentary elections in the United Kingdom. Campaign spending August 2005 The 2004 European Parliamentary elections in the United Kingdom Campaign spending Translations and other formats For information on obtaining this publication in another language or in a large-print

More information

SOUTH AFRICA. Elections were held for all the seats in the House of Assembly following the premature dissolution of this body on 27 February 1987*.

SOUTH AFRICA. Elections were held for all the seats in the House of Assembly following the premature dissolution of this body on 27 February 1987*. SOUTH AFRICA Date of Elections: 6 May 97 Purpose of Elections Elections were held for all the seats in the Assembly following the premature dissolution of this body on 7 February 97*. Characteristics of

More information

The Electoral System in Denmark

The Electoral System in Denmark The Electoral System in Denmark European Parliamentary Elections European Parliamentary elections are held in the EU member states every five years. 13 Danish members were elected at the European Parliamentary

More information

CORPORATE POLICY USE OF MUNICIPAL RESOURCES FOR ELECTION CAMPAIGNS

CORPORATE POLICY USE OF MUNICIPAL RESOURCES FOR ELECTION CAMPAIGNS POLICY STATEMENT City administration is responsible to ensure the democratic process is transparent, fair, and accessible in the City of Spruce Grove. It is the responsibility of elected officials to uphold

More information

National Council as a Continuous House

National Council as a Continuous House 1 INTRODUCTION On 8 February 2012, National Council (NC) wrote to the Election Commission of Bhutan (ECB) seeking its views concerning incumbent Members of National Council who may wish to contest future

More information

JOB DESCRIPTION - Councillor

JOB DESCRIPTION - Councillor JOB DESCRIPTION - Councillor January, 2018 This job description summarizes the responsibilities, qualifications, time requirements and working conditions related to this position. This job description

More information

Chapter 15. Assemblies

Chapter 15. Assemblies Chapter 15 Assemblies A A Parliament is nothing less than a big meeting of more or less idle people. Walter Bagehot The English Constitution C (1867) 2 Role of Assemblies A variety of terms: congress (USA),

More information

CANDIDATE NOMINATION PACKAGE

CANDIDATE NOMINATION PACKAGE CANDIDATE NOMINATION PACKAGE Westlock County General Election October 16, 2017 Revised June 12, 2017 Table of Contents CONTACT INFORMATION... 2 NOMINATION DAY... 3 OBTAINING NOMINATION FORMS... 3 FILING

More information

Act 2 National Council for Older Persons Act 2013

Act 2 National Council for Older Persons Act 2013 ACTS SUPPLEMENT No. 2 8th February, 2013. ACTS SUPPLEMENT to The Uganda Gazette No. 7 Volume CVI dated 8th February, 2013. Printed by UPPC, Entebbe, by Order of the Government. Act 2 National Council for

More information

Elections in Ukraine October 28 Parliamentary Elections

Elections in Ukraine October 28 Parliamentary Elections Elections in Ukraine October 28 Parliamentary Elections Europe and Asia International Foundation for Electoral Systems 1850 K Street, NW Fifth Floor Washington, D.C. 20006 www.ifes.org October 25, 2012

More information

Corporate Governance Guidelines

Corporate Governance Guidelines Corporate Governance Guidelines Chapter 1. General Provisions Article 1. Purpose These guidelines set out the basic policy, framework and operating policy of the corporate governance of Fuji Heavy Industries

More information

NORTHLAND SCHOOL DIVISION ACT

NORTHLAND SCHOOL DIVISION ACT Province of Alberta NORTHLAND SCHOOL DIVISION ACT Statutes of Alberta, 2017 Assented to May 4, 2017 Published by Alberta Queen s Printer Alberta Queen s Printer Suite 700, Park Plaza 10611-98 Avenue Edmonton,

More information

ESL Education Program Student Workbook

ESL Education Program Student Workbook ESL Education Program Student Workbook TABLE OF CONTENTS The Levels of Government in Canada...2 Ridings in Ontario...3 Who are my representatives? Quiz...3 Who is Responsible? Activity...4 Members of Provincial

More information

www.citizensforabetterbahamas.org 30 th January 2016 FREEDOM OF INFORMATION BILL, 2016 ASSESSMENT Nassau, Bahamas 1. INTRODUCTION The Freedom of Information Bill, 2016 (the 2016 Bill ) was tabled in Parliament

More information

Region-wide Election of the Regional Chair in Other Jurisdictions

Region-wide Election of the Regional Chair in Other Jurisdictions Report No. 1 of Chief Administrative Officer was adopted, without amendment, by the Council of The Regional Municipality of York at its meeting held on. Region-wide Election of the Regional Chair in Other

More information

Asking British Columbians about Electoral Reform

Asking British Columbians about Electoral Reform Asking British Columbians about Electoral Reform CCPA-BC Submission on the Electoral Reform Process By Seth Klein (BC Director), Shannon Daub (Associate BC Director) and Alex Hemingway (Policy Analyst)

More information

ESL Education Program Student Workbook

ESL Education Program Student Workbook ESL Education Program Student Workbook TABLE OF CONTENTS The Levels of Government in Canada...2 Ridings in Ontario...3 Who are my representatives? Quiz...3 Who is Responsible? Activity...4 Members of Provincial

More information

THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UNCERTAIN:

THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UNCERTAIN: THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UNCERTAIN: commentary on kyrgyzstan election laws of 2011 September 2011 This publication was produced by IFES for the U.S. Agency for International Development concerning Associate

More information

GD 2016/0082. Council of Ministers. Considerations relating to a single resident record for the Isle of Man

GD 2016/0082. Council of Ministers. Considerations relating to a single resident record for the Isle of Man GD 2016/0082 Council of Ministers Considerations relating to a single resident record for the Isle of Man In Tynwald, December 2016 1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1.1. This paper responds to the Tynwald Select Committee

More information

Public Participation Policies and Public Notification: A Guide for Municipalities

Public Participation Policies and Public Notification: A Guide for Municipalities Public Participation Policies and Public Notification: A Guide for Municipalities Table of Contents Part 1: Municipal Public Participation Policies... 2 Part 2: Public Participation Policy Template...

More information

NDP submission to the Special Committee on Electoral Reform

NDP submission to the Special Committee on Electoral Reform NDP submission to the Special Committee on Electoral Reform Introduction Over the course of the past four months New Democrat Members of Parliament launched countrywide public consultations on the pressing

More information

SELECTION OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT CANDIDATES

SELECTION OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT CANDIDATES SELECTION OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT CANDIDATES Updated for the new rules - 2017 Printed and promoted by Alan Mabbutt on behalf of the Conservative Party, both at 4 Matthew Parker Street, London, SW1H 9HQ CONTENTS

More information

THE ROYAL BOROUGH OF KENSINGTON AND CHELSEA CORPORATE BUSINESS GROUP JOB PROFILE. Electoral Services Officer. Deputy Electoral Services Manager

THE ROYAL BOROUGH OF KENSINGTON AND CHELSEA CORPORATE BUSINESS GROUP JOB PROFILE. Electoral Services Officer. Deputy Electoral Services Manager THE ROYAL BOROUGH OF KENSINGTON AND CHELSEA CORPORATE BUSINESS GROUP JOB PROFILE Job Title: Department: Grade: Location: Responsible to: Responsible for: Electoral Services Officer Electoral Services Range

More information

The Local Government Election Regulations, 2006

The Local Government Election Regulations, 2006 LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTION L-30.1 REG 4 1 The Local Government Election Regulations, 2006 Repealed by Chapter L-30.11 Reg 1 (effective January 1, 2016). Formerly Chapter L-30.1 Reg 4 (effective January

More information

The Relationship between Audit Committee and Council (Local Government)

The Relationship between Audit Committee and Council (Local Government) The Relationship between Audit Committee and Council (Local Government) The information contained in this guidance paper is intended to provide the reader or his/her entity with general information and

More information