Observers vow to address voter list concerns but ‘won’t intervene’ in poll

A three-member Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Elections Observer Mission (CEOM) on Friday pledged to address concerns over the integrity of the final voters list on the eve of its release — but stressed it cannot interfere with the island’s election process.

The mission, now on its first full working day after arriving on Thursday, vowed to make recommendations regarding critics’ concerns about the integrity of the final register.

Chief Electoral Officer Sherland Turton said the register would be completed on Friday, with chairman of the Electoral and Boundaries Commission (EBC), Ramon Alleyne, adding that it would be issued on Saturday.

After arriving on Thursday at the invitation of the government to observe Wednesday’s general election, Mission Chief Ian Hughes told a press briefing at the new Indigo Hotel in Hastings that while concerns over missing names from the list are part of its remit, the team cannot intervene in, or interfere with, the electoral process — it can only make recommendations.

Hughes said: “[Missing names is our remit to observe] since the register of electors, or the electors’ list, is probably the most important aspect of any election. And so yes, we have also heard… that there are some concerns. It is key that we state here that we cannot make any interventions in your election. Barbados is a sovereign state, and so what we do is we observe, we listen to the stakeholders, we put those concerns in writing, and we make recommendations.

“Of course, based on our findings, then, at the end of the day, the stakeholders may utilise that particular report as further documentation, factual documentation, if they wish to go further with any sort of legal challenges or proceedings.”

He reasoned that, in any case, the electoral process is already under way, reiterating that the mission members cannot interfere with the proceedings.

“We’re not here to supervise,’ said the mission chief. “We’re not here to change your processes.

They’re already under way. What we can do is make recommendations regarding your stakeholder concerns.”

So far the mission has met with the commissioner of police and the force’s high command, the Barbados Christian Council (BXC), and the media, he said.

In the coming days, the observers expect to meet Prime Minister Mia Mottley and Leader of the Opposition Ralph Thorne, EBC chair Alleyne, along with other members of the commission, and the chief electoral officer.

The team will also engage with other political parties and civil society institutions. These engagements are expected to provide the mission with insight into the pre-election atmosphere and facilitate an assessment of the level of preparedness for the general election, Hughes said.

He said: “The role of the CEOM observers on Election Day will be to observe, not supervise, the electoral process, including preparations for the start of the poll, the casting of votes, the closure of the polling stations, the counting of the ballots and the declaration of results. The CEOM will also assess the immediate post-election atmosphere, following the conclusion of Election Day activities.”

Before the CARICOM mission leaves on Friday, a preliminary statement will be issued outlining the mission’s initial assessment of the electoral process.

A detailed final report providing a summary of the mission’s findings and recommendations will be prepared for Secretary-General Dr Carla Barnett, and later published.

Since being in Barbados, the sense on the ground is that social media is abuzz with the rallies and activities of various candidates, Hughes noted.

“So social media seems to be where all of the action is taking place,” he told reporters. “I’m grateful that we do have television, print media here with us today, but it would appear that on the ground, people are looking forward to the elections next week. I think elections are always very important in any society, and we have to also remember that it’s part of our civic duty, responsibility to exercise our franchise. I often say that many have laid down their lives, have gone to the great beyond so that we could have this opportunity to exercise our franchise.”

The mission comprises senior electoral officials from three member states – Antigua and Barbuda, Belize and Jamaica.

The observers are accompanied by three members of the CARICOM Secretariat providing administrative and logistical support. A final member of the team is to arrive here on Saturday.

Hughes said the team values the opportunity to support the democratic process in Barbados and expressed its appreciation for the “warm” welcome and cooperation received since its arrival.

The mission concluded the briefing by extending its best wishes to voters as they prepare to go to the polls.  (EJ)