#BTEditorial – General elections in a pandemic

A recent report from the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) indicates that between February 2020 and November 2021, at least 79 countries and territories around the world took a decision to postpone national and subnational elections due to COVID-19.

On the other hand, at least 146 states and territories decided to go ahead with their planned electoral processes and referendums, despite the impact of the viral illness on activities around the world.

We have introduced this data, as there is increasing concern being voiced about the staging of a national poll within three weeks, and at a time when COVID-19 cases are on the rise again. The general perception is that with the easing of restrictions on social gatherings, significantly increased tourist arrivals, present an opportunity for there to be a spike in infections, as occurred exactly a year ago.

To add a general election, in the tradition that Barbadians have come to know these events to be staged, represents a clear and present danger of which many are rightly worried. Since the surprise announcement by the Prime Minister on Sunday evening, there has been no outline of specific guidelines for the processes to be employed for campaigning, Nomination Day on January 3, or Election Day on January 19.

We contend that on the date of the announcement, or shortly thereafter, Barbadians should have been informed of a well-designed process for handling such an important national event, given the public health emergency we are confronting.

The country is still operating under emergency health orders that restrict our movement after certain hours, the number of people who can gather even in their homes to socialise, and the staging of public events that attract large numbers of people. There are still restrictions on the number of people who can travel on public transport, and protocols for entry at our airport and seaports.

Given these circumstances, it is fair to question, as the opposition parties have done, the haste with which Barbadians are returning to the polls and the possible exposure of large sections of our population to the disease during the activities leading up to January 19, 2022.

Also of significant importance is the fact that there is a higher participation rate of older Barbadians in the electoral process. The 45 and older demographic is likely to form the core of those attending political meetings and turning out on election day to vote.

Given the vulnerabilities of this section of our population, it will be of paramount importance that we get the process right and not create a hotbed for the spread of the viral illness.

It is not comforting that our infection rate, which was trending downward, is on the rise again since the Christmas holiday. The state of play as of December 28 was 227 new confirmed infections from 1,409 tests. And we still have Old Year’s Night celebrations and New Year’s Day festivities to be staged.

The argument could be made that to date, 68.1 per cent of our eligible population 12 years and older, has had at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and 62 per cent is fully vaccinated. Those statistics could be used to argue that the threat is reduced.

However, given the high rate of breakthrough infections with the Omicron variant among the vaccinated, one must exercise extreme caution.

Reviewing what occurred with some of our neighbours who chose to stage elections, some of the concerns outlined by political parties here, echo those from our regional neighbours.

Belize which held its election on November 11, 2020, did not allow people who tested positive for COVID-19, and those whose quarantine period extended past election day, to vote in this election. Effectively Belize disenfranchised eligible voters based on quarantine regulations.

Bermuda staged its general election on October 1, 2020. Its polling station staff were responsible for ensuring all voters and candidates maintained appropriate physical distancing. Frequently touched areas such as booth counters other contact items and surfaces were sanitized regularly.

In addition, amendments included advance voting ahead of polling day for seniors over 65, COVID-19 patients and voters with other underlying health conditions to reduce health risks. This could either be done from home or at the “Advanced Polls”.

Bermuda already had Advanced Polling under the Bermuda Parliamentary Election Act 1978, but it was also extended to voters with COVID-19. Advisories for those who had travelled just prior to the elections were issued. Those who were in quarantine because of recent travel were not permitted to attend polling stations to vote, and on the eve of elections, the Minister of Health provided free COVID-19 tests for election candidates and officers.

The issue for us in Barbados is can we, at this late stage, ensure a safe environment for our election process and address many of the unanswered questions that linger regarding required adjustments to processes?