General elections held in Turks & Caicos islands

Elections

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General elections are held in the Turk and Caicos Islands (TCI), a British overseas territory in the West Indies. 

This election signifies the return of representative government for the islands. Since their previous constitution was suspended in 2009, direct rule was imposed from London and the functions of the ministerial government and the House of Assembly were granted temporarily to TCI's British-appointed governor Ric Todd. 

The suspension of the previous constitution was due to allegations of corruption and malpractice within the island's government. A Commission of Inquiry unveiled a variety of criminal practices involving questionable land allocation and the under-reporting of land values. 13 people, including 4 former ministers, have been charged with corruption and money laundering offences. 

It was decided that new elections could not take place without the introduction of new ordinances and a new constitution to uphold these. These new ordinances are meant to maintain good governance and sound financial management. They include regulations for political party and campaign funding, in addition to transparent financial management processes. Also included are public service reforms. 

In order to protect its interests as loan guarantor, the British government has proclaimed itself Chief Finance Officer (CFO), a position with considerable control over public finances.