According to Jaspert , the Premier believes the territory should forego a by-election to avoid having two elections that would have happened one shortly after the other.
“In deciding to accept this advice, I considered carefully what would be in the best interests of the Virgin Islands and the electorate and agreed with the Premier that it would not be in the best interests of the people of the Virgin Islands to hold both a by-election followed shortly after by a full general election next year.
The governor further explained that since there will not be a by-election, the general election will be held within a reasonable timeframe from the date the Fifth District seat became vacant.
“I have received legal advice that the holding of a general election within a period of six months from the date of the death of the member of the Fifth District may be a [good] compromise date between foregoing a by-election and holding a general election,” the governor said.
“I consider the holding of a general election by 16th April 2019 as a reasonable time frame. I will be advised accordingly in due course on the dates the Premier wishes to dissolve the House and hold an election prior to that date in April,” he added.
In anticipation of the early election, Governor Jaspert has urged legislators to unify and “ensure that key legislation on governance, security and recovery are passed before the House dissolves”.
The Fifth District became vacant last month following the death of Representative Delores Christopher who was first elected as a legislator in 2003