Wheatley Introduces Elections (Amendment) Act 2026 After
Premier and Minister of Finance Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley introduced the Elections (Amendment) Act 2026 during the continuation of the Second Sitting of the Third Session of the Fifth House of Assembly on 22 April 2026, the Government said in a press release. The Government emphasised that the Bill grew out of extensive consultations, including work by a House committee and input routed through the Deputy Governor’s Office and the Office of the Supervisor of Elections; the Bill will go to Committee when the House resumes on 30 April 2026 at 10:00 a.m.
Premier and Minister of Finance Honourable Dr. Wheatley formally introduced the Elections (Amendment) Act 2026 during the continuation of the Second Sitting of the Third Session of the Fifth House of Assembly on Tuesday 22 April 2026, the Government of the Virgin Islands said in a press release.
Wheatley told lawmakers the proposed amendments grew from extensive consultation and careful review of recommendations from multiple stakeholders. "This is the Elections Amendment Act 2026, following extensive deliberations with a number of entities, including a committee of the House (of Assembly) who looked at recommendations of various observer missions that came to The Virgin Islands," he said, according to the Government statement.
The Premier said the drafting also built on work undertaken by the previous House of Assembly and incorporated input routed through the Deputy Governor’s Office and the Office of the Supervisor of Elections. "Also, the last House of Assembly looked at a number of recommendations that were forwarded through the Deputy Governor’s Office and the Office of the Supervisor of Elections," Dr.
Wheatley added, underscoring the multi‑office technical engagement that shaped the Bill. Wheatley described the proposed changes as "revolutionary" and urged careful consideration as the Bill moves through parliamentary stages. The Government’s release said the amendments were shaped through sustained engagement and technical advice from the offices involved, and that thorough discussions informed the drafting.
According to the Government, the Elections (Amendment) Act 2026 seeks to strengthen the Territory’s democratic framework by modernising electoral processes, improving transparency and inclusivity, and aligning local practice with international best standards. The press release did not list every specific change; officials say a detailed examination will take place once the Bill is referred to Committee.
The Bill has already received its First Reading and will be referred to Committee when the House of Assembly resumes on 30 April 2026 at 10:00 a.m. That Committee stage will give lawmakers the opportunity to scrutinise the Bill’s provisions, consider any amendments and allow residents and legislators to better understand how proposed changes could affect future elections.
For residents, the Bill signals possible changes to the administration of future elections and reflects the Government’s stated commitment to good governance and sustainable development. The Premier’s Office said the government is focused on promoting a well‑informed, prosperous, cohesive and stable society as it pursues these reforms.
The Government press release lists the Premier’s Office and the Office of the Supervisor of Elections as focal points for further information and encourages the public to follow official Government of the Virgin Islands channels for the Bill’s full text and any public notices. Media or public enquiries can be directed to the Premier’s Office Information Officer Angela U.
Burns at +1 284 468 9445 or aburns@gov.vg, the release said.
Primary source: BVI Government