At Stake in this Election: 

On 30 April 2025, the Cayman Islands will hold a referendum with provisions on cruise ship infrastructure, gambling, and cannabis. If passed, the cruise ship provision would support the eventual construction of a pier and other berthing infrastructure allowing large vessels to dock directly at Grand Cayman. The gambling provision would introduce a national lottery system, while the cannabis provision would permit residents to use and possess small amounts of the substance. 

The referendum questions are as follows:

• “Should the Cayman Islands develop cruise berthing infrastructure?”
• “Do you support the introduction of a National Lottery in the Islands?”
• “Do you support the decriminalisation of the consumption and possession of small amounts of cannabis?” 

The response options are “Yes” and “No.” 

A parliamentary election will be held concurrently. 

Government Structure:  

• Chief of State: King Charles III (since 8 September 2022) 

• Represented by Governor Jane OWEN (since 21 April 2023) 

• Head of Government: Premier Juliana O’CONNOR-CONNOLLY (since 15 November 2023) 

• Assembly: unicameral Parliament with 21 seats 

Electoral System:  

• The King is a hereditary monarch. 

• The Governor is appointed by the monarch. 

• The Premier, typically the leader of the parliamentary majority, is appointed by the Governor. 

• In Parliament, 19 members are directly elected via plurality vote. The Attorney General (appointed by the Governor) and Deputy Governor (appointed by the monarch) serve as additional ex officio members. 

Information for Voters: 

Where and How to Vote (in English) 

Key Deadlines: 

• Voter registration deadline: Voters may register on election day at any polling station. Postal voters must register by 17 April 2025. 

Population and Registered Voters: 

• Population: 84,738 (2023 est.) 

• Registered Voters: 23,829 (1 January 2025) 

Gender Data: 

• Female Population: 41,964 (2023 est.) 

• CEDAW Status: Not applicable 

• Gender Quota: No 

• Female Candidates in this election: Yes 

• Number of Female Legislators (pre-election): 5 out of 21 (24%) in Parliament 

• Human Development Index (HDI) Position: Not available  

• Social Institutions and Gender Index (SIGI) Categorization: Not available 

Disability Data: 

• CRPD Status: Not applicable 

• Projected population with a disability: 13,558 (2023 est.)