A constitutional authority has issued a critical clarification regarding Barbados’ upcoming general election, emphasizing that citizens not registered to vote by February 6 will be ineligible to participate—even if polling dates are postponed. This legal interpretation comes amid growing tensions between political factions regarding the integrity of the electoral register.
Senior counsel Garth Patterson of Lex Caribbean law firm addressed concerns raised by Democratic Labour Party (DLP) candidate Corey Greenidge, who had petitioned Prime Minister Mia Mottley to delay the February 11 election. Greenidge argued that alleged inaccuracies in the electoral register could disenfranchise thousands of voters, a concern echoed by DLP leader Ralph Thorne regarding the preparedness of the Electoral and Boundaries Commission (EBC).
Patterson acknowledged that Section 37(1)(b) of the Representation of the People Act technically permits a 30-day election postponement if the voters’ list is deemed unsatisfactory. However, he emphasized this provision does not extend the voter registration window, which is legally tied to the January 19 issuance of the writ—not the actual polling date.
“Voters who are not yet on the register must get registered between now and February 7; otherwise they will not have an opportunity to vote,” Patterson told Barbados TODAY. “Extending the date of the election will not extend the registration period.”
The legal expert explained that special electoral registration procedures supersede annual updates once an election writ is issued. The law mandates publication of final elector lists within 21 days of the writ issuance, creating an immutable deadline regardless of any perceived register deficiencies.
In response to these developments, Prime Minister Mottley has maintained confidence in the electoral process, supported by Barbados Labour Party general secretary Jerome Walcott’s assertion that “the date has been set.”
Electoral officials have detailed extensive efforts to ensure register accessibility. Chief Electoral Officer Sherland Turton noted multiple public review periods in June, October-November, and January, with revising centers operating in all constituencies. The commission continues processing register updates through February 6, with final lists scheduled for publication on February 7.
This legal clarification arrives as Barbados prepares for a high-stakes electoral process, balancing democratic access against statutory requirements in a politically charged environment.