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Elections on track for 2011
BRITAIN will surge ahead with TCI elections next year – but warns there will not be a return to the same political model as before the UK takeover.
Wednesday’s announcement by visiting Foreign Office dignitary Colin Roberts ends speculation that London may opt for an extension to the period of direct rule.
But it also puts paid to expectations of a revert to the status quo prior to last August.
An extensive six-month review – headed by international experts – is to be launched into the current electoral system imminently.
The aim is to flush out corruptible practices which will probably include the way campaigns are financed following widespread claims of vote buying during the Commission of Inquiry.
Mr Roberts didn’t rule out scrapping the traditional two party system in favour of an ‘every candidate for himself’ election process.
But such a move is deemed unlikely after it proved unworkable in the aftermath of the 1986 constitution suspension.
The overseas territories director told a press conference that Britain was “quite determined” there would be no repeat of the mistakes of the past.
And he revealed that a “greater British presence” in the Islands after the elections would help ensure the reforms implemented could not be “reversed”.
Mr Roberts took time out this week to meet with business and community leaders, politicians and civil servants to gauge opinions on the UK’s governance to date.
“It’s very clear that many people are thinking about what’s going to happen after the return to elected Government. There are a lot of different views,” he said.
“A lot have criticised us for what we have already done in suspending the elected Government.
“There are also those that say there will be a huge amount of reform work needed and that the interim Government should be extended for a period.
“Elections will be held on schedule in mid 2011 but there will not be a simple return to the same political situation that existed before August 2009.
“The British Government is quite determined it won’t allow a repeat of the sort of things that happened under the last administration.”
Mr Roberts said electoral specialists would consult Islanders before coming up with a series of recommendations for an overhaul of the process.
“Our objective in looking at the electoral system is to see whether there are aspects which have contributed to the corrupt practices we have seen here and if there are adjustments that can be made to reduce the risk of that kind of corrupt practice.
“The end result must be to put in place arrangements to give the people of the TCI, and also the international community, confidence that the reforms are irreversible and that the principles of good governance will be upheld.”
He said it was “not clear” that the Westminster-style system had proved successful in the TCI in the past but that no “formal” consideration was being given to an alternative.
“Electoral reform is a very technical area. There were some issues raised within Commissioner Sir Robin Auld’s report which we were asked to look at. And that is what we are doing.”
Mr Roberts said it was the UK’s intention to keep interference in TCI affairs to a minimum after the elections.
But that a handful of extra personnel would be posted to the Islands to bolster the Governor’s office and also to act as technical advisors.
“We have not defined arrangements for after 2011. We will do this through the review and in consultation with the people of the TCI, the advisory council and consultative forum.
“There will be a greater British presence after the elections. Three or four people as before is probably not sufficient to ensure the principles of good governance and reforms are properly adhered to.
“How many is under consideration but it would not be characterised as a heavy presence.
“Our objective is that the people of the TCI should manage their own affairs as much as possible. It’s always been our intention to keep our presence to a minimum.”
The overseas territories director was also quizzed by media about London’s current stance on independence.
“The fundamental principle, with regards to independence, is that it is entirely a matter for the people of the TCI.
“I would not expect the interim Government to make a movement in any way or the other.
“It will reflect the views of the people as with every territory.
“If one chooses to pursue that path, and where it’s appropriate, the British Government will support it,” he added.
By Gemma Handy
 
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