The Progressive National Party secured a commanding victory in the Turks and Caicos Islands general election, winning 16 of 19 available seats in results announced early Friday morning.
Premier Washington Misick’s PNP maintained its dominant position, building on its 2021 performance when it won 14 of 15 seats. The opposition People’s Democratic Movement, led by Edwin Astwood, claimed two seats, while an independent candidate won in South Caicos.
Former Deputy Premier E. Jay Saunders, who was dismissed by Misick in early 2024, secured a record-breaking 4,614 votes, the highest ever for an individual candidate in the territory’s history.
The election marked the first use of DS200 voting machines in the territory.
Crime, cost of living, and economic well-being dominated campaign discussions, particularly concerning rising gun violence and housing affordability on Providenciales, the main island.
Of the territory’s approximately 47,720 residents, only 9,385 are registered voters. Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley has already issued congratulations to the TCI Government.