2012 Caymanian electoral system referendum

A referendum on changing the electoral system was held in the Cayman Islands on 18 July 2012.[1] Voters were asked whether they wish to change the electoral system from one using multi-member constituencies to one with single member constituencies.[1] Although the proposal was approved by a majority of those voting, the quorum of half of registered voters voting in favour was not met.[2]

2012 Caymanian electoral system referendum
18 July 2012
Do you support on electoral system of single-member constituencies with each elector being entitled to cast only one vote?
Results
Choice
 Votes  %
Yes 5,631 65.23%
No 3,001 34.77%
Valid votes 8,632 99.48%
Invalid or blank votes 45 0.52%
Total votes 8,677 100.00%
Registered voters/turnout 15,161 57.23%
Politics of the Cayman Islands
Constitution
Monarchy
Executive
Legislative
Elections
Administrative divisions
Citizenship
Foreign relations

Background

The ruling United Democratic Party (UDP) had promised to hold a referendum on the change to the system alongside the general elections in 2013.[1] However, a citizens' initiative group sought an earlier vote so that the new system would be in place for the 2013 elections.[1] The group began collecting the 3,800 signatures required (25% of registered voters) to force a referendum, but as they were close to passing 3,000 signatures, on 11 April 2012 the UDP chose to hold the referendum on an earlier date.[1] On 10 May the Legislative Assembly confirmed the format of the referendum.[1]

Under article 69 of the constitution, a referendum was only binding if a majority of the 15,161 registered voters vote in favour.[1] Voting was held between 07:00 and 18:00,[3] and referendum day was made a public holiday by the government.[4]

Results

Do you support on electoral system of single-member constituencies with each elector being entitled to cast only one vote?[1]

Choice Votes %
For5,63165.23
Against3,00134.77
Invalid/blank votes45–
Total8,677100
Registered voters/turnout15,16157.23
Source: Cayman Elections Office

Aftermath

Although the Elections Office had said that the government should take a majority vote that failed to pass the quorum as advisory,[5] Premier McKeeva Bush announced after the referendum that he would not do so.[6]

References
  1. Cayman Islands, 18 July 2012: Elections in one constituency Direct Democracy (in German)
  2. Majority want single member constituencies, but magic number not met Cayman 27, 18 July 2012
  3. Notification of Referendum 2012 Archived 2012-07-29 at the Wayback Machine Elections Office
  4. Chamber against referendum holiday Archived 2012-07-11 at the Wayback Machine Cayman 27, 21 June 2012
  5. One man, one vote campaigners not giving up Archived 2012-06-30 at the Wayback Machine Cayman 27 26 June 2012
  6. Premier: Results will not be held as advisory Archived 2012-07-24 at the Wayback Machine Cayman 27, 19 July 2012


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