2009 Caymanian constitutional referendum

2009 Caymanian constitutional referendum

20 May 2009
Do you approve the draft constitution which was agreed by the Cayman Islands constitution delegation and the government of the United Kingdom on 5th February, 2009 and tabled in the Legislative Assembly of the Cayman Islands on 11th February, 2009?
Results
Choice Votes % Yes 7,045 63.06% No 4,127 36.94% Valid votes 11,172 99.36% Invalid or blank votes 72 0.64% Total votes 11,244 100.00% Registered voters/turnout 15,361 73.2%

A referendum on a draft constitution was held in the Cayman Islands on 20 May 2009 alongside general elections. The new constitution was approved by 63% of voters, and by the Privy Council on 10 June.

Background

Since around 2000 the Cayman Islands had sought a new constitution, in order to cement the United Kingdom's possession of the islands. On 22 May 2008 the Caymanian government had announced the question and that it was aiming to hold the referendum in July. However, following an announcement on 27 June, the referendum was postponed until the 2009 general elections in order to give time to negotiate and agree the constitution with the UK. The negotiations took place in January and February 2009 and a consultation started in the islands on 11 February 2009.

On 24 February the Legislative Assembly passed the Referendum (Constitutional Modernisation) Bill, 2009. The referendum was to be held in accordance with Article 29, paragraph 2 of the constitution, and required a majority to pass.

Results

Do you approve the draft constitution which was agreed by the Cayman Islands constitution delegation and the government of the United Kingdom on 5th February, 2009 and tabled in the Legislative Assembly of the Cayman Islands on 11th February, 2009?

Choice	Votes	%
For	7,045	63.06
Against	4,127	36.94
Invalid/blank votes	72	–
Total	11,244	100
Registered voters/turnout	15,361	73.42
Source: Direct Democracy