PNP General Secretary to Head Election Observer Mission to Montserrat

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The General Secretary of the People's National Party (PNP), Julian Robinson, is headed to the Caribbean island of Montserrat as leader of an election observation mission.

According to the PNP, Robinson will participate as a member of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association British Islands and Mediterranean Region (BIMR) on the invitation of the Governor of Montserrat, Andrew Pearce, OBE, to observe the 2019 poll, scheduled for Monday, November 18.

On the days leading up to the poll, the CPA BIMR Mission will meet with key stakeholders, including officials, candidates, and members of the public as part of their fact-finding operation.

PNP pointed out that the mission is an independent team of seven international observers, comprising parliamentarians, officials and analysts.

Noting that this is the second election in which Montserrat has invited international observers, PNP said the mission will observe the Montserrat elections against the backdrop of international standards and domestic laws. The initial findings and recommendations will be published after the election.

In 2014, a similar observer mission participated in those elections.

International election observation has the potential to enhance the integrity of election processes, by deterring and exposing irregularities and fraud and by providing recommendations for improving the local electoral processes.

These missions promote public confidence, as warranted, promote electoral participation and mitigate the potential for election-related conflict. They also serve to enhance international understanding through the sharing of experiences and information about democratic development.