For the first time, next Wednesday’s general election in Anguilla is to be overseen by an Observer Mission from the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association British Islands and Mediterranean Region (CPA BIMR). The mission was officially invited to Anguilla by Governor Christina Scott with the support of the Government and the official Opposition, according to a press statement.
The work of the team was outlined at an introductory press conference on Monday, April 13, in the Executive Council’s Chambers, where the Head of the Mission, the Hon. Mario Galea MP, Malta, was the main spokesman.
The full membership of the mission comprises: Hon. Mario Galea, Hon. Sharlene L. Cartwright Robinson MP, TCI (Observer); Ms Shivonne White (Observer); Mr Andrew Bruce (Election Analyst/Observer); Mr Mark Stevens (Election Analyst/Observer); and Mr Matthew Salik, UK (Election Coordinator/Observer).
“The fact that our Mission enjoys broad support from across the political spectrum shows the willingness of Anguilla to have an external review of its electoral process. This is very commendable,” a preliminary statement by the Mission said.
The statement continued as follows:
“The team will be in Anguilla from 12-24th April 2015. The Mission will be guided by the Declaration of Principles for International Election Observation and Code of Conduct for International Election Observers, adopted by international bodies involved in election observation at the United Nations in October 2005. The Mission will observe the electoral process in accordance with international standards, including Anguilla’s commitments under international law as well as domestic legislation.
“The Mission will gather information and then make an informed judgement. We may raise questions with election officials and may bring to their attention any irregularities if and when the need arises, but will not interfere in any way in the election process. As observers we will strictly adhere to the CPA BIMR Code of Conduct and will be autonomous, impartial and independent in our observation and judgement of the election. The interest and focus of the mission is on the electoral process and not on the political outcome. In our final report, the Mission will offer recommendations with the aim of improving future elections. We are here in support of democracy in Anguilla.
“During the mission we will meet with local authorities, the election administration, political parties, candidates, civil society, media representatives and other election stakeholders. Our assessment will consider the entire electoral process, including the legal framework, the election administration, the campaign, the media, polling and counting, and complaints and appeals. We will also consider gender equality and minority issues. We will observe the last part of the campaign giving particular attention to the fundamental freedoms of expression, assembly, association, movement and information. On Election Day we will observe the process at polling stations including the opening and closing. We will also observe the counting and tabulation of results and the immediate post-election period. We will look at the complaints and appeals system and follow the handling of any that may arise.
“The Mission will issue a Preliminary Report within two days of the election, which will highlight key findings to date and make a preliminary assessment of the electoral process. Within two months of the election the mission will publish its Final Report, which will provide an overall assessment of the electoral process and will include recommendations for future elections in Anguilla.
“The Mission would like to thank Her Excellency the Governor for her invitation and for the support of her good offices. We would like to thank the Government and Opposition for supporting the invitation and the Electoral Office for their cordiality and cooperation.
“Finally any member of the public or media who would like to make contact with this mission, can do so through email at anguillacom@gmail.com.”
