Preliminary voters’ list released as election preparations accelerate

Voters preparing to cast their ballots in next month’s general election can now check their names on the preliminary voters’ list, which was officially published by the Electoral and Boundaries Commission (EBC) on Monday, marking the start of the claims and objections period.

The publication of the preliminary voters’ list comes as Barbados moves toward a general election on February 11 following the dissolution of Parliament on Monday.

Nomination Day is scheduled for January 27.

Chairman Ramon Alleyne said the preliminary list was issued as required and will become final on February 7, after all claims and objections have been processed.

The period for submitting applications for registration and transfers will close on 26 January, while objections must be filed by January 28. Alleyne said 30 revising centres – one in each constituency – opened on Monday to facilitate the process. People may also attend the EBC’s head office in Warrens or submit forms online.

He said: “The preliminary list was issued as required yesterday. It will become final on the 7th of February after all claims and objections filed have been processed. The period for submission of applications and transfers ends on the 26th of January and objections on the 28th of January.”

He added that the public can access the relevant notices outlining the procedures and locations for submitting applications and objections.

In public notices published the same day, the EBC also confirmed the appointment of returning officers and election clerks for all 30 constituencies, as well as the locations of constituency-based revising centres.

The notices state that the preliminary list of electors, published on 19 January, is available for inspection at the revising centres, the Public Library at Independence Square, and the Electoral Office at Warrens Towers II.

The revising centres are open to the public between 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., with specific dates set aside for receiving claims and objections.

A separate notice also confirmed the appointment of Ramon Gibson as Deputy Supervisor of Elections, effective since Monday.

Election officials and political parties are now operating within compressed timelines to complete nomination, verification and logistical preparations ahead of the vote. (BT)