Overview
The Montserrat Electoral Commission is inviting Expressions of Interest from suitably qualified persons who wish to be considered to serve on a committee established to lead on a consultative and reporting process on Electoral Reform on Montserrat for a period of six (6) months.
The successful candidates will be selected following an assessment based on the eligibility criteria outlined below. The Committee will consist of four (4) people and specific terms of reference, function, duties and key dates will agreed and issued on appointment.
Background
The Electoral Commission was established by section 78 of the Montserrat Constitution Order, 2010 and works primarily in accordance with the Electoral Commission Act and the Elections Act. The Commission is responsible for supervising Elections in Montserrat in accordance with s.78 of the Montserrat Constitution amongst other functions. The Commission was tasked by Cabinet to carry out widespread electoral reform to the electoral process in Montserrat.
As such the Commission is seeking to establish a committee that will lead the consultation process on Electoral Reform within the Montserrat Community and diaspora and report back to the Electoral Commission.
The duties of the Committee are as follows;
1. Carry out consultations on topics surrounding systemic electoral reform with:
- The general public in Montserrat and the Montserrat diaspora
- Key officials in other territories
- Cabinet Members and the Parliamentary Opposition
These consultations would include:
i. Consideration of differentials such as Single Constituency vs Mixed System of At-Large Voting and Multi Constituencies.
ii. Consideration of reviewing electoral boundaries in Montserrat in light of (i)
iii. Consideration of whether persons with dual nationality and Montserratians as defined under the Constitution (section 107(2)(a) or 107 (2) (b)(ii) should be allowed to contest General Elections or By-elections
iv. Consideration of involving the diaspora in voting.
v. Consideration of legislating the establishment of political parties as well as party and campaign funding.
2. Undertake research and consultation in other Overseas Territories such as Anguilla, to gain an insight into their electoral processes as well as their election legislation.
3. Carry out consultation with the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA).
4. Present the following reports to the Electoral Commission, inclusive of findings and recommendations, for possible electoral reform, within seven (7) months of receiving the appointment to carry out the reform exercise.
- Inception report End of month 1
- Interim report End of month 3
- Draft final report End of month 6
- Final report (after all feedback is received) End of month 7
5. Hold periodic discussions with the Electoral Commission immediately after submitting each of the above-mentioned reports.
6. Solicit public feedback on the draft of the report as agreed by the Electoral Commission.
7. Present the final report to the Electoral Commission for approval.
N.B- Finalised terms of Reference will be agreed upon appointment with the successful candidates. The above is a guideline and indicative but not exhaustive of duties.
Qualifications and Experience
The Electoral Office is seeking individuals who meet the following criteria;
1. Be a Montserratian or resident in Montserrat
2. Be literate, numerate and proficient in the use of ICT.
3. Has not been convicted in the previous seven years of a crime involving honesty or moral turpitude or contravention of the Election conduct, even if s/he enjoys amnesty;
4. Not be a candidate or agent of a candidate in the last two General Elections or By-Election, in Montserrat.
5. Have previous experience in administering or supporting the administration of General Elections on Montserrat or in another British Overseas Territory.
6. Have broad knowledge of the Montserrat Constitution Order 2010 and Elections Act.
7. Be willing and able to go beyond the call of duty, to ensure key deliverables for the Committee are rolled out in a timely manner.
Application: Content and Deadline
Suitably qualified and experienced persons who wish to serve on the Committee for Electoral Reform are invited to submit their Curriculum Vitae (CV), a Personal Statement (Cover Letter) explaining how you meet the above criteria of qualifications/experience and at least one reference in support of your application.
Applications can be emailed to ccs.montserrat@gmail.com clearly label the subject of the email as Electoral Reform Committee Application.
Or
Alternatively, applications can be delivered to the Office of the Legislative Assembly (Clerk of Council) at # 1 Farara Plaza, Brades, no later than 4pm on 20th June, 2022, again clearly label the envelope as Electoral Reform Committee Application.
Remuneration
The remuneration is currently under review and candidates shortlisted to serve on the Committee will be notified accordingly.
