PM Mottley invites CARICOM, Commonwealth observers to monitor poll

In an unprecedented move, Prime Minister Mia Mottley has invited independent electoral observers for the upcoming general election on February 11.

Speaking to reporters after filing her nomination papers to contest the St Michael North East seat on Tuesday morning, the Prime Minister explained that she had taken the decision in a bid to “protect the reputation of Barbados.”

Prime Minister Mottley’s disclosure comes on the heels of concerns and comments by opposition on voters’ list and the readiness of the Electoral and Boundaries Commission (EBC).

“We spend our time trying to protect the reputation of this nation, and we go to great lengths to protect the reputation of Barbados and Barbadians, and I’m not going to, under any circumstances, agree that it should be sullied,” Mottley said, adding that the decision was made this morning.

“I spoke to the Secretary-General of CARICOM, and I spoke to the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, and I will do what Barbados has never had to do before because both political parties exercised a level of sober maturity in the conduct of elections prior to this moment. But I am not going to allow anybody to put this country’s reputation at risk, and I’ve therefore asked both of them. They know it is a late request, but I have now signed the letters to them,” the PM revealed.

The correspondence was also sent to President The Most Honorable Lieutenant Colonel Jeffrey Bostic, and the Chairman of the Electoral and Boundaries Commission, Ramon Alleyne, so that he may share it with all members, the PM said, further noting that the opposition leader has two members on the commission. 

“. . . Because we do nothing in private. We do everything in public, and of course, to the Cabinet Secretary who has responsibility in the Central Government for the Electoral and Boundaries Commission,” Mottley said. 

“I want to repeat myself: The Prime Minister, the party which I lead, the Democratic Labour Party, nor Mr. Thorne, have any direct role in the conduct of elections other than as candidates and as parties. The conduct of the election is in the hands of the Electoral and Boundaries Commission, which is established by the Constitution of this nation and which is represented by three members of the Barbados Labour Party and two members of the Leader of the Opposition.”

“I go further: if there is any doubt or suspicion being cast… I am inviting independent electoral observers so that you don’t have to listen to me. You don’t have to listen to any of us. Let the independent observers cast a judgment on the conduct of elections in this country,” she added. 

“It is an unfortunate moment, but it is a necessary moment to protect the integrity and good name of this country.”