D-DAY IN TURKS AND CAICOS

Voters Head to the Polls in Pivotal Election

Voters in the Turks and Caicos Islands headed to the polls early this morning as the nation holds its first general election since a major constitutional reform expanded its legislature and extended parliamentary terms.

 With 19 seats now up for grabs, the outcome of this election could reshape the country’s political landscape.

The ruling Progressive National Party (PNP), led by Premier Washington Misick, faces a determined challenge from the opposition Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM), led by Edwin Astwood. The PNP dominated the last election in 2021, securing 14 of the then 15 available seats. The PDM managed to win only one seat. However, this election sees a significant increase in representation, with four new seats added, creating 19 positions in total.

Voters will be electing representatives for 10 district seats and nine islandwide or at-large seats. The party that secures at least 10 seats will form the next government, making this election a crucial test of the PNP’s ability to retain its majority and of the PDM’s potential resurgence.

Polling stations opened at 7 a.m. and will remain open until 7 p.m., with over eight thousand eligible voters expected to cast their ballots throughout the day. Election officials have reported smooth operations so far, with strict measures in place to ensure the integrity of the process.

The expanded legislative body and new five-year parliamentary term—an increase from the previous four years—stem from recent amendments to the constitution aimed at modernizing the country’s governance framework.

In an election marked by promises of economic growth, social reform, and tourism recovery, both parties have intensified their campaigns in recent weeks, hoping to win over undecided voters.

Misick and the PNP have touted his government strong economic performance, while Astwood and the PDM have focused on issues of governance, accountability, and tackling inequality.

As polling comes to a close later tonight, the nation will be watching closely to see whether the PNP will extend its rule or if the PDM can engineer an upset and take control of the next government. With new voting machine acquired, the Elections Office said counting should be a lot quicker, and by 8p.m. the country could know who will take the reins of government for the next 5 five years.