Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley has pushed back against criticism from Democratic Labour Party (DLP) leader Ralph Thorne over the timing of the upcoming general election, insisting that the process complied fully with the law and that opposing claims stem from a misunderstanding.
Thorne raised concerns at the DLP’s islandwide rally on Saturday, arguing that the election was announced before the Electoral and Boundaries Commission (EBC) had completed the voters’ list, which he said was due on January 31. He suggested that the early election call caused confusion and undermined the integrity of the process.
Responding later that evening while campaigning in St John, Mottley rejected the claim and cited provisions of the Representation of the People Act. She explained that the legislation requires the voters’ register to be published no later than January 31, not specifically on that date.
According to the prime minister, the register of electors was officially published on January 15, prior to the election announcement, making it the valid register for the 2026 general election. She also noted that once an election is called, preliminary voters’ lists are issued to allow for corrections, updates, and claims.
Mottley further reminded the public that the window for making changes to the voters’ list was quickly closing, with less than 48 hours remaining for individuals to verify their registration details or update their addresses.
Addressing allegations of irregularities, the prime minister said discrepancies in the voters’ list are not unusual and have occurred in every election cycle for decades. She dismissed suggestions that the issues were politically driven, pointing out that persons linked to both major political parties have been affected.
Mottley again urged eligible voters to take personal responsibility for ensuring their information is accurate, encouraging them to review the voters’ list before the deadline expires.
