PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, CMC -A Commonwealth Observer Group (COG) might be deployed to Trinidad and Tobago to look at its forthcoming elections scheduled for April 28.
The staff, led by Evarist Bartolo, a former International Affairs Minister of Malta with over 30 years of parliamentary expertise, consists of six eminent individuals from throughout the Commonwealth. They create experience in media, regulation, electoral administration, and civil society.
The staff will observe all points of the elections and supply suggestions to make sure the best requirements of electoral credibility, inclusivity, and transparency as they assess the pre-election atmosphere, the voting course of, and the post-election interval.
“The Commonwealth is happy to deploy an observer mission to Trinidad and Tobago’s elections, demonstrating our dedication to supporting democracy and good governance in our member states. Our election remark work and efforts to strengthen democratic processes, tradition, and establishments throughout member states are world-leading, and we sit up for working with the individuals of Trinidad and Tobago to make sure a reputable and clear electoral course of,” stated Commonwealth Secretary-Basic Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey.
Observers arrive within the nation on April 22. They are going to meet key stakeholders, together with the election administration physique, political events, civil society teams, media, the diplomatic neighborhood, and different regional and citizen observers.
From April 26, observers will deploy in small groups to totally different elements of the nation to look at election preparations.
The members of the COG have been mandated to look at and contemplate components affecting the credibility of the electoral course of as a complete and to evaluate whether or not the elections have been performed in accordance with the requirements for democratic elections to which Trinidad and Tobago has dedicated itself, together with nationwide laws and related regional, Commonwealth, and worldwide commitments.
A staff from the Commonwealth Secretariat, led by Lindiwe Maleleka, Political Adviser, Electoral Help Part, will assist the Commonwealth Observer Group.
