Cayman Islands Votes in Record General Election, Non-Binding Referendum

A record number of registered voters in the Cayman Islands are participating in a general election to choose 19 parliamentary representatives from three major parties—the People’s Progressive Movement, the newly formed Cayman Islands National Party, and the Caymanian Community Party—as well as several independent candidates. Alongside the election, Caymanians are casting ballots in a non-binding referendum on whether to develop cruise berthing infrastructure, introduce a national lottery, and decriminalize the possession and consumption of small amounts of cannabis. The referendum, initiated by the government rather than a people-led petition, will not obligate the incoming administration to act on its results but is intended to guide future policy. The vote is being closely observed by international monitors and follows a dynamic political period marked by recent changes in party leadership and the rise of new political groups. Environmental concerns have been raised regarding the proposed cruise berthing project due to its potential impact on marine habitats. The outcome of both the election and the referendum is expected to influence the direction of Cayman Islands policy and governance in the coming years.