00:00We move on now to Barbados where general elections were held on February 11 with
00:08international observers present. Telesur correspondent Crystal Hoyt reports on the
00:14election process. Caribbean community election observers have declared
00:20Barbados's February 11th general election free and fair but raised
00:25concerns about ballot counting delays and issues with the voters list.
00:30The Barbados Liberal Party secured a historic 30-0 victory. However, observers say
00:35improvements are needed before the next poll. The three-member CARICOM election
00:40observation mission confirmed that voting procedures met international standards
00:44and that the outcome reflected the will of the people despite opposition
00:49allegations over voter disenfranchisement in the lead-up to polling day.
00:53Polling staff appeared adequately trained, courteous and efficient. They conducted their duties in an impartial and professional manner.
01:04But the mission chief, Antigua and Barbuda Supervisor of Elections, Ian Hughes, documented operational weaknesses in the tabulation process.
01:12Centralized ballot transport meant some presiding officers reportedly waited up to two hours after polls closed at 6 p.m.
01:20before being transported to counting centres. Final results were not declared until the early morning hours.
01:26Counting of votes at the individual polling stations should be considered to facilitate the more efficient tabulation and transmission of
01:36results and reduce logistical risks.
01:40Observers also addressed concerns surrounding the voters list after several complaints were lodged on election day.
01:47The mission recommended a review of the process to improve accuracy and management of the voters list.
01:52Despite these concerns, CARICOM maintains the election result accurately reflects voter intent.
01:59The observer team departed Barbados leaving behind a comprehensive report.
02:03Attention now turns to whether the Electoral and Boundaries Commission will implement the proposed reforms.
02:09Crystal Hoyt, Callister, Bridgestone, Barbados.
Comments