Political candidates must now pay a larger deposit to stand for election, after an amendment to the Elections Act passed through Montserrat Legislative Assembly this week.
The adjustment to the law not only increases the amount payable from EC$500 to $1,000 before nomination, but also makes the deposit non-refundable.
The Elections (Amendment) Bill 2024 went through the second reading, committee stage and third reading during a meeting of the assembly on 30 April.
It was then passed into law, with seven members voting for and two against, namely parliamentary secretary Veronica Dorsette-Hector and Opposition member Donaldson Romeo.
Opposition member Claude Hogan and education minister Charles Kirnon were absent for the vote.
Increased costs
On presenting the bill, Attorney General Sheree Jemmotte-Rodney explained that the Elections Act outlines the processes for conduct of elections in Montserrat.
It states that anyone being nominated as a candidate must pay a deposit – the amount which was last reviewed in 2023, she said.
“Since that time, the cost of administering general elections has increased and is expected to increase even further,” the attorney general told members of the assembly.
This is because the Electoral Commission of Montserrat is considering the introduction of more advanced technology to increase efficiency.
It was the Electoral Reform Commission that submitted the recommendation for an increase in the deposit from $500 to $1,000 and the making of the deposit non-refundable.
The Electoral Commission then proposed the adjustments to the provisions of the Election Act.
‘Can’t play games’
During the debate, Premier Joseph E Farrell said he supported the deposit increase and described the general election process as lengthy and costly.
“The cost of doing business across the world is getting way more expensive, and also the cost of elections – not only in personnel but also in the materials,” he said.
Farrell said candidates have to think if they are serious when they put their names forward for elections, adding: “We can’t just be playing games with elections in Montserrat.”
Opposition member Donaldson Romeo said he welcomes any amendments that aim to improve the way elections are conducted in Montserrat.
However, he questioned if it is a revenue gaining initiative or if it is to discourage people from running, and asked whether it is appropriate timing for the increase.
Following the law amendment, candidates for election must now deposit with the returning officer on or before the day of his nomination the non-refundable sum of $1,000.
The new Elections (Amendment) Act 2024 is available online here.
