The Democratic Party of the Virgin Islands (DPVI) recently ratified its 2026 Primary Election and Certification Plan during the Territorial Committee’s meeting held at the Virgin Islands Port Authority Video Conference Rooms on St. Thomas and St. Croix. This landmark action establishes clear standards of fairness, transparency, integrity, and neutrality in the Party’s election process while fully implementing the Jan. 10, 2024 federal ruling by Chief Judge Robert Molloy in Republican Party of the Virgin Islands v. Election System of the Virgin Islands, which affirmed that the certification of political party candidates is an internal Party function protected by the First Amendment.
“This Plan is a declaration of the Party’s constitutional authority and our commitment to fair, transparent, and disciplined certification,” said Carol M. Burke, State Chairwoman. “It ensures that every Democrat who seeks the privilege of appearing on our ballot does so through the will of our members—under procedures that guarantee integrity, accountability, and equality of access.”
Governor Bryan Voices Support for the Plan
Governor Albert Bryan Jr., who attended the meeting and expressed his full support, commended the DPVI for taking a decisive step toward strengthening democracy in the Virgin Islands.
“This plan represents responsible governance and political maturity,” said Governor Bryan.
“By establishing transparent standards and reaffirming the Party’s constitutional authority, the Democratic Party of the Virgin Islands is ensuring that democracy here in our territory remains strong, fair, and inclusive. I applaud Chairwoman Burke and the entire Territorial Committee for leading this effort with clarity and conviction.”
Core Standards of the Election Plan
• Party Autonomy: DPVI retains full authority to determine which individuals may be certified to appear as Democratic candidates—a right protected under the First Amendment and reaffirmed by Judge Molloy’s 2024 ruling.
• Transparency: All certification procedures, forms, and candidate requirements will be publicly available to ensure accountability and trust in the process.
• Fair Access: All Democrats in good standing have equal opportunity to seek nomination under uniform rules and impartial review.
• Integrity and Neutrality: All members serving on certification, oversight, or judicial committees must remain impartial; violations of neutrality are subject to disciplinary action.
• Ethical Conduct: Candidates and Party officers must uphold civility, honesty, and respect, avoiding any misuse of Party resources or misinformation.
• Unified Messaging: Only certified Democratic candidates will represent the Party on the ballot, and the Party will present a unified message promoting fairness and democracy throughout the 2026 election cycle.
The Plan also codifies a detailed candidate eligibility and endorsement system, defines the ministerial role of the Election System of the Virgin Islands (ESVI), and establishes a dispute resolution process handled exclusively within DPVI through its Judicial Council and the Courts.
Developed collaboratively by the Election Oversight Committee, Primary Election Ad Hoc Committee, and Executive Committee, the Plan was introduced to Party leadership on Oct. 24, 2025, and unanimously ratified by the full Territorial Committee the following day.
During the meeting, reports were also presented by Dr. Kyza A. Callwood, Treasurer; Riise E. S. Richards and Dr. Gary Molloy, National Committee Members; and District (STT) Barbara A. Petersen. Territorial Committee members also heard remarks from Delegate to Congress Stacey Plaskett’s representative, Nellie Varlack, and from Senators Marvin Blyden, Angel Bolques, Carla Joseph, Ray Fonseca, Marise James, and Avery Lewis. Senate President Milton Potter was excused.
Chairwoman Burke concluded, “With the adoption of this plan, the Democratic Party of the Virgin Islands affirms its commitment to internal democracy, candidate integrity, and compliance with both territorial and federal standards. We are ready to lead by example in the 2026 election cycle and beyond.”
St. Croix Source
Politics
