Structure
The Anguilla Youth Parliament will adopt the structure and operating procedures of the Anguilla House of Assembly (National Parliament). The election of members to the youth parliament will also be conducted in accordance with national elections rules and procedures (first past the post). Consequently there shall be seven (7) elected and four (4) Ex-Officio members of the youth parliament. Roberts Rules and Rules and Procedures for the National Parliament shall apply.
Technical, Administrative and Support Services
Appropriate administrative, clerical and support services are critical to ensure the effective functioning of the parliament. A formal relationship between the Youth Parliament and the House of Assembly, which allows for the sharing of technical, administrative and support staff, is therefore recommended.
Administration of the youth parliament will rest with the Clerk of the Anguilla House of Assembly.
The Appointment Process
The following two-tiered process of selection and election of candidates to the youth parliament is proposed:
Selection
The youth representatives at the consultation argued that it was necessary for young people who showed interest in becoming youth parliamentarians to get some experience before they become youth parliamentarians. The argument brought forward was the utilisation of a selection process to place the young people in parliament as ‘Back Benchers’.
Election
Seven (7) young persons shall be elected to serve as members of the youth parliament. Young people within the ages of 13 to 30 are eligible to be elected.
In any event both the candidates for ex-officio and full membership of the parliament should:
- Demonstrate an active interest in Parliamentary and Governance matters.
- Display requisite leadership qualities.
- Be willing to vigorously represent their constituents and actively participate in the proceedings of the youth parliament
- Demonstrate effective communication skills and possess appropriate competence in written and oral use of English.
Representatives to the youth parliament will be elected in each of the 7 electoral districts in Anguilla. Election of members to the youth parliament will be in accordance with the process and procedures that govern the national elections.
Election process for Youth Parliament
- Elections can be held at a predetermined date. It is suggested that there is a fixed date for subsequent youth parliament elections, for example, May 22.
- Staff at the Electoral Office should support the elections process to ensure that the process is similar to that of national elections.
- AYP must be elected directly by young people in their districts.
