HE GOVERNOR’S STATEMENT ANGUILLA GENERAL ELECTION, 2020 INDEPENDENT ELECTION OBSERVATION

1. In 2015, the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) provided independent observation of Anguilla’s general election. This observation mission ran over a week or so and was conducted by a team of international experts led by a Commonwealth parliamentarian.
2. In late 2019, prior to the onset of Covid-19, the CPA responded positively to my request to undertake a monitoring mission for the 2020 election. In accordance with convention, I appraised the Honourable Premier and the Honourable Leader of the Opposition of my intention to invite the CPA to undertake election monitoring. Both confirmed their agreement in writing.
3. Since the start of 2020, I have been in contact with the CPA on this matter. Regrettably, but understandably, they have concluded that the global restrictions on travel make it impossible for them to deploy an international observation mission to Anguilla as they did in 2015. Nevertheless, we have formulated a two-part process to provide credible independent observation of the 2020 election.
4. Part one, will see the CPA mounting a remote ‘Election Expert Mission’ comprising four international experts. This team will assess the legislative framework and the electoral process. They will contact key stakeholders and carry out virtual interviews with voters, candidates, parties, the judiciary and journalists. The CPA will publish a full report, including recommendations, within two months of the election. This report will be made public. Further information on the CPA’s observation can be found at: https://www.uk-cpa.org/news-and-views/virtual-cpa-bimr-election-assessment-a-first-for-anguilla-2020-elections/
5. Part two, concerns the conduct of voting (including advance polling) and counting. As circumstances make it impossible to deploy international observers, I have asked the Anguilla Christian Council and the Anguilla Evangelical Association, under the leadership of Dr Wycherley Gumbs, to observe the conduct of polling (including advance polling on 26 June) across all 20 polling stations and the count. Both organisations have accepted and they have established the 30 member strong ‘Anguilla Independent Citizens Observers’ team. The team has received virtual training and I am confident they are ready to observe the election process. Dr Gumbs will produce a factual report of the observers’ findings within a month of the election. This report will also be made public.

Tim Foy
Governor

ADVERTISEMENT