The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has formally established a specialized Election Observation Mission to monitor Barbados’ upcoming General Election scheduled for February 11, 2026. This multinational delegation arrived following an official invitation from the Barbadian government dated January 27, 2026, and will maintain presence in the country from February 5 through February 13 to ensure comprehensive electoral oversight.
The mission leadership comprises distinguished electoral experts from three CARICOM member nations: Mr. Ian S. Hughes, Supervisor of Elections from Antigua and Barbuda Electoral Commission, serves as Chief of Mission. He is supported by Deputy Chief of Mission Ms. Josephine Tamai, Chief Elections Officer of Belize, and Mr. Andrew Smith, Regional Manager from Jamaica’s Electoral Commission. Administrative support is provided by three CARICOM Secretariat staff members specializing in community and foreign relations.
Since their arrival on February 5, the observation team has initiated critical dialogues with key stakeholders including Barbados’ Commissioner of Police, senior law enforcement officials, the Barbados Christian Council, and media representatives. The mission’s agenda includes forthcoming high-level meetings with Prime Minister Mia Amor Motley (Barbados Labour Party), Opposition Leader Ralph Thorne (Democratic Labour Party), Electoral and Boundaries Commission Chair Ramon Alleyne, and Chief Electoral Officer Sherland Turton, alongside engagements with civil society organizations and additional political parties.
The observation protocol encompasses comprehensive monitoring throughout election day, including polling station operations from opening to closing procedures, vote casting mechanisms, ballot counting processes, and results declaration. The mission will also evaluate post-election developments before issuing a Preliminary Statement containing initial assessments prior to their departure.
A comprehensive Final Report detailing the mission’s findings and recommendations will be submitted to CARICOM Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett for subsequent public dissemination. The observation mission acknowledges the cooperative reception from Barbadian authorities and expresses commitment to supporting democratic integrity during this electoral process.