Campaigning in Cayman

GEORGE TOWN, Cayman Islands  – Political parties in the Cayman Islands were into the final weekend of campaigning ahead of Wednesday’s general election that could also determine the future direction of the British Overseas Territory.
Electoral officials confirmed that 58 candidates will contest the national poll across all three Cayman Islands.
Political observers said that the highest number of candidates in modern history had been anticipated as a result of the six seats up for grabs in the capital, where 7,500 voters will be returning representatives to the Legislative Assembly.
The 18 492 voters will have a choice of 21 candidates to choose from in the capital of George Town, while there will be 4 in both West Bay and Bodden Town, five in Cayman Brac and Little Cayman and two in both East End and North Side.
While election day here is a public holiday, Elections Supervisor Kearney Gomez has nonetheless reminded employers that they must allow all staff members who are registered voters time off to go to the polls.
He said also that all political advertisements and banners and other inducements must be removed by midnight on Tuesday.
In addition, Gomez said no political advertisements, broadcast or announcements would be permitted on Wednesday.
“All banners, posters and any other advertising materials must be removed by midnight on Tuesday May 21, 2013.  The wearing of clothing which exhibit the image of any candidate or contains any printed statement supporting any candidate or political party will not be allowed within any polling precinct,” he added.
In the May 2009 elections, the United Democratic Party (UDP) won nine of the 15 seats with the Progressive People’s Movement (PPM) winning five seats and the other going to an independent.