By Zoila Palma: The CARICOM Election Observation Mission (CEOM) has concluded that the results of Barbados’ 2026 General Election reflect the will of the people, despite minor administrative challenges.
The Mission was deployed following an invitation from the Government of Barbados and observed the February 11, 2026, polls across the country.
The three-member Mission was made up of senior electoral officials from Antigua and Barbuda, Belize, and Jamaica, supported by representatives from the CARICOM Secretariat.
Its mandate was to conduct an independent and impartial assessment of the electoral process, including the pre-election environment, voting, ballot transport, and counting.
In the lead-up to Election Day, the CEOM met with a wide range of stakeholders, including Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley, opposition leader Ralph Thorne, political party leaders, the Commissioner of Police, the Electoral and Boundaries Commission, civil society groups, independent candidates, trade unions, youth organizations, and media representatives. Stakeholders raised concerns about the voters’ list, campaign financing, media access, voter education, election accessibility for persons with disabilities, and the need for fixed election dates.
The Mission observed polling in 19 of the 30 constituencies and reported that the opening of polls was timely, with adequate police presence, trained staff, and properly supplied stations.
Voting was generally peaceful and orderly, with polling officials performing their duties in a professional and impartial manner.
However, the CEOM noted low voter turnout, inconsistent booth configurations, the absence of voters’ lists at some stations, and accessibility challenges for elderly voters and persons with disabilities.
Ballots were transported under police escort to centralized counting centers and counted in the presence of political party agents.
While the process was transparent and lawful, the Mission noted that centralized counting contributed to lengthy tabulation times. Despite this, the CEOM said the closing of polls, transportation of ballots, and counting procedures were conducted according to established guidelines.
Overall, the CEOM commended the Electoral and Boundaries Commission, police officers, polling staff, political parties, and voters for their professionalism and peaceful conduct.
The post CARICOM election observation mission concludes Barbados election reflected will of the people appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Zoila Palma: The CARICOM Election Observation Mission (CEOM) has concluded that the results of Barbados’ 2026 General Election reflect the will of the people, despite minor administrative challenges. The Mission was deployed following an invitation from the Government of Barbados and observed the February 11, 2026, polls across the country. The three-member Mission was
The post CARICOM election observation mission concludes Barbados election reflected will of the people appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
