In a landmark decision aimed at preserving electoral transparency, Barbadian Prime Minister Mia Mottley has formally invited international observers to monitor the nation’s February 11 general elections. The unprecedented move comes amid mounting concerns regarding electoral preparedness and voter list integrity raised by opposition parties.
Addressing journalists after submitting her nomination papers for the St Michael North East constituency, Prime Minister Mottley emphasized her administration’s commitment to protecting Barbados’ democratic reputation. “We spend our time trying to protect the reputation of this nation,” Mottley stated, “and I’m not going to, under any circumstances, agree that it should be sullied.”
The Prime Minister revealed she had personally contacted both the CARICOM Secretary-General and the Commonwealth Secretary-General to request electoral monitoring missions. While acknowledging the unusual timing of the request, Mottley explained that previous elections hadn’t required such measures due to what she described as “sober maturity” exhibited by all political stakeholders.
Official correspondence has been dispatched to Lieutenant Colonel Jeffrey Bostic, President of Barbados, and Electoral and Boundaries Commission Chairman Ramon Alleyne for dissemination to all commission members. The commission currently includes three representatives from Mottley’s Barbados Labour Party and two from the opposition Democratic Labour Party.
Mottley clarified that neither her office nor opposition leadership holds direct authority over election administration, which remains constitutionally vested in the independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission. “If there is any doubt or suspicion being cast,” the Prime Minister asserted, “let the independent observers cast a judgment on the conduct of elections in this country.”
This intervention represents a proactive measure to ensure electoral credibility amid growing political tensions, with Mottley characterizing the decision as “an unfortunate moment, but a necessary moment to protect the integrity and good name of this country.”