The Cayman Islands is headed toward a coalition government after Wednesday’s closely contested general election left no party with a clear majority in Parliament.
Political negotiations were underway Thursday morning as parties scrambled to secure alliances following a night of dramatic shifts and historic upsets.
In the Cayman Islands, a government is formed by the group that secures the support of at least 10 of the 19 elected MPs—regardless of party.
The center-left People’s Progressive Movement (PPM) secured the most seats with seven, but fell short of the 10-seat majority. Two newly formed parties — the Cayman Islands National Party (CINP) and the Caymanian Community Party (TCCP) — each made a strong debut, winning four seats apiece. Three independents also claimed seats, making them potential kingmakers in the coalition talks now underway.
The final count wrapped around 3:00 AM local time, confirming the following results:
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PPM: 7 seats (no change)
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TCCP: 4 seats (+4)
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CINP: 4 seats (+4)
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Independents: 4 seats (–8)
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The leader of the party or coalition that reaches the 10-seat threshold will be selected as premier. Two additional seats in Parliament are appointed.
In one of the biggest surprises of the election, longtime political heavyweight McKeeva Bush lost his seat to independent challenger Julie Hunter, a relative and first-time candidate. Bush, who had held the seat for 40 years and served as premier, was dogged by controversy in recent years. He was ousted over corruption allegations, which he denied, and later faced charges of sexual misconduct, including a groping case to which he pled not guilty.
Alongside the general election, Caymanians voted on three nonbinding referendum questions. Voters approved the decriminalization of small amounts of cannabis (55% in favor), and backed the creation of a national lottery (50% in favor). A proposal to expand cruise berthing infrastructure was decisively rejected, with 63% voting “no,” reflecting environmental concerns voiced by local activists.
As coalition talks continue, all eyes are now on the independents and rising new parties that will likely determine the Cayman Islands’ political direction in the coming weeks.
