This Preliminary Statement outlines key findings and initial recommendations from a short-term observation effort that was limited in scope and duration and is based on the information available at this moment. Observers are still finalizing their assessments of their findings. A Final Report will be issued by 31 July and will incorporate additional findings and observations up to and including the final certification of the election results by the Anguilla Central Electoral Office on 30 June, 2020, and by reason of recount, those which were recounted on 1 July, 2020.
The role of the Anguilla Independent Citizens Observers (AICO) was to observe and evaluate the Anguilla General Election of 2020, including Advance Voting on 26 June and Election Day on 29 June. This independent and non-partisan team comprises two community-based organizations, the Anguilla Christian Council (ACC) and the Anguilla Evangelical Association (AEA). In addition, individual citizens not affiliated with the ACC and AEA were also engaged as observers. This observation and all observers have complied with the “Declaration of Global Principles for Non-Partisan Election Observation and Monitoring by Citizen Organizations”. Each observer also signed a pledge of non-partisanship stating that they have no public affiliation with any political party, candidate and/or agent participating in the 2020 General Election.
AICO is led by a Core Team of community leaders, namely Reverend Wycherley Gumbs, Pastor Philip Gumbs and Minister Avenella Griffith, and is supported by a Citizens Observation consultant. The Core Team was responsible for the overall management and implementation of the citizen observation and adherence to non-partisanship. A total of twenty-nine non-partisan observers was recruited and deployed to observe Advance Voting on 26 June, on Election Day on 29 June and the counting of ballots at the conclusion of voting. This non-partisan observation was present in all seven Electoral Districts and at all twenty polling stations.
Anguilla’s 2020 Election was historic. This was evidenced by its first ever at-large candidates; the highest representation of female candidates; the highest representation of youth candidates; the inaugural use of voter registration cards, an electronic polling book and voting machines; and the introduction of Advance Voting. The process was in keeping with the highest and most current international democratic standards and conventions. The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impaired the campaign season with the island being effectively shut down for more than a month. It also prevented many Anguillians living abroad from returning home to vote, a practice which has consistently fueled controversy. However, with no deaths and after seeing the few cases of infection cleared, it was determined that elections could be held.
The pre-election climate remained active and intensified as Election Day approached. Traditional media, debating forums, billboards and other promotions, especially social media, were extensively utilized. However, AICO’s observation of all media was neither formal nor extensive.
With the addition of four island-wide electoral seats, Anguilla saw a record thirty-two persons offering themselves for political office. Both the Anguilla Progressive Movement (APM) and the Anguilla United Front (AUF) offered a full roster of eleven candidates, while an impressive number of persons, ten, ran independently. Candidates aggressively challenged each other’s ideas and ideologies in a variety of forums. Outside of stimulating debates, however, the tone and substance of speeches sometimes tended towards mockery and defamation of character. Additionally, Party visions for the country were not communicated in manifestos as the electorate has come to expect.
The introduction of Advance Voting on 26 June was designed to accommodate the elderly, disabled, frontline workers and emergency personnel. Polls opened at 9:00am. The voting at three separate District stations was flawless, in contrast to that of the remaining four stations which were all housed inside one inadequately sized room. Within this room, several issues posed challenges including the use of the same door to enter and exit, tight spacing, and noise. Congestion and frustration, along with discourtesy to the elderly and those in wheelchairs, prevailed on the outside for the first couple hours. Also, the interaction of candidates with voters in queues and some distribution of voting paraphernalia on Advanced Voting Day were among the concerning minor infractions observed.
Election Day, 29 June, began with Observers stationed at each of the twenty polling stations in each of the seven Electoral Districts one hour before voting began at 6:00am. This allowed the observers to witness the opening procedures and to gather relevant information from the Returning Officers. Within each polling station, voting was generally characterized by the professionalism of the electoral officers, who also demonstrated sensitivity to voters needing assistance. The adherence to high standards occasionally tensed the stations but it enhanced the confidentiality of the voting process. Conduct outside polling stations was peaceful, orderly and conducive to free exercise of the vote. Observers witnessed as well the entire closing procedures, followed the Returning Officer to the House of Assembly and witnessed the delivery of the voting machines.
Some concerning infractions were noted, including: a few incidents where individuals remained on the premises after casting their vote and appeared to purposefully converse with voters; and a few cases of cell phone use inside polling stations. However, these minor infractions were rare and isolated and did not compromise the integrity of the process, nor the outcome.
The enthusiastic crowds in and outside the House of Assembly, the location of ballot counting, were large and loud. After all ballots were counted the leader of the APM requested a manual recount of Districts Two, Three and Seven. A manual machine count was done and initial counts were confirmed in all three Districts. However, to accommodate lingering concerns and the request of the APM District Three Candidate, a manual physical recount was scheduled for the next day of District Three. This physical count also confirmed the initial count.
The 2020 general election was also a landmark year for women in politics as a record number, nine, ran for public office. Almost half of these candidates ran independently. Universal suffrage was present and evident as women of all ages were afforded the right and opportunity to vote and be elected. However, it must be noted that nationally women were underrepresented as candidates and as elected officials. Conversely, women featured prominently in the electoral process as approximately 70% of Returning Officers and over 90% of Presiding Officers and Poll Clerks were female.
The effort and determination of large numbers of persons with disabilities to participate in national elections was admirable. The provision of access ramps, Advance Voting, and first preference in queues on Voting Day all spoke to accommodating their needs. These efforts were marred, however, by the inconsiderate behaviour of some voters towards the disabled and lack of foresight by officials in relation to the tight placement of four large Districts on Advance Voting Day.
Anguilla has made a smooth and near seamless transition from manual to electronic voting and has successfully executed a landmark election in 2020. The process, though not without a fair number of minor glitches, largely preserved the most core democratic ideals for an election: law, order, universal suffrage, access to information, secret ballot and transparency. Thereby, Anguilla has ensured that the will of the people was accurately reflected in the results. In total 11,951 voters were registered and 7,263 (60.77%) actually voted.
Undoubtedly, the Supervisor of Elections, his team and the personnel of DITES all proved professional and capable throughout the demanding and dynamic electoral process. Though a proud landmark achievement and an obvious success, care must be taken in correcting the minor infractions that could erode voter confidence in the system. Towards this critical end, Observers recommendations are forthcoming in the Final Report.
The Anguilla Governor’s Office under the legal basis set out in the Regulations, 2020 made by the Governor under Section 97 of the Elections Act 2019 (Act No. 18/2019) accredited the “Anguilla Independent Citizens Observers (AICO)”. The Anguilla Independent Citizens Observers (AICO) is independent from the Anguilla Governor’s Office, the Government of Anguilla, and any political party or candidate. Although this observation is supported by the Anguilla Governor’s Office, the Governor’s Office had no involvement in AICO’s observational duties and findings, and no editorial role in any public statement issued by AICO.
For More Information3 Rev. Wycherley Gumbs|1-264-235-0164|wycherleygumbs@yahoo.com
- Press Release
1 July, 2020
