Since the re-introduction of democracy into the British Virgin Islands in 1950 there have been fifteen general elections, and three recorded by-elections.
Since 1999 the British Virgin Islands effectively has had a two-party system, which means that there are two dominant political parties.
Broadly speaking this requires that the candidate must be a second generation Belonger, and must either be domiciled in the British Virgin Islands or have completed a period of residence.
In order to be elected as a member of the House, a person must either be a Virgin Islander (as defined) over the age of 21, and otherwise qualified to vote in the Territory.
[3] However, a person is disqualified from being elected (regardless of where they are born) if they are not domiciled in the British Virgin Islands unless: A person is disqualified from being elected as a member of the House if:[4] Qualifications to be registered as a voter in the British Virgin Islands are now regulated by article 68 of the Constitution.
Most parties campaign on a concepts with close affinity to nationalism, and core competency in relation to administration of Government.
Independent candidates will typically argue that neither party is competent or trustworthy, and that unaffiliated politicians should be elected.
The inaugural legislative council included four elected members: Isaac Glanville Fonseca, Howard R. Penn MBE, Carlton L.E.
In 1967 Ministerial government was introduced into the British Virgin Islands, and candidates organised themselves into political parties.
[14] The second was when Andrew Fahie resigned his seat,[15] and again it was decided not to hold a separate by-election because of the upcoming 2023 general election.