Commonwealth deploys observer team for Barbados general election

A team of Commonwealth election experts has been deployed to Barbados to observe the country’s February 11 general election.

The Commonwealth Expert Team (CET) was sent by Secretary-General Shirley Botchwey and will be led by Sarah Flood-Beaubrun, former Speaker of the House of Assembly of Saint Lucia and a senior attorney-at-law.

Flood-Beaubrun will submit a report outlining the team’s findings and recommendations to the secretary-general following the mission.

The CET includes three additional Commonwealth election specialists with expertise in politics, elections, media, law and civil society.

“Our presence in Barbados to observe the upcoming general election is significant as it marks the first time the Commonwealth has deployed election experts to the country. It reaffirms our commitment to democratic resilience, and our support for credible, transparent and inclusive electoral processes,” Botchwey said.

“We stand in solidarity with the people of Barbados and support their aspirations and democratic choices, acting independently and impartially to help ensure that their collective will is freely expressed. I extend my sincere appreciation to these eminent Commonwealth citizens who have embraced this significant assignment in support of the people of Barbados,” she added.

The observer team arrived in Barbados on February 5 and will engage with key stakeholders including the Electoral and Boundaries Commission, political parties, civil society organisations, the media, members of the diplomatic community and other international and citizen observers.

The mission will be supported by Commonwealth Secretariat staff led by Michelle Scobie, adviser and head of the Secretary-General’s Good Offices and Caribbean section.

The team is scheduled to depart Barbados on February 17.