标签： Barbados

With Barbados’ February 11 general election approaching, Democratic Labour Party (DLP) leader Ralph Thorne has raised serious concerns about electoral integrity, alleging multiple irregularities in the national voters’ list. During his candidacy nomination at The Lodge School, Thorne warned that these issues could potentially disenfranchise eligible voters despite voting being a constitutional right for all Barbadians over 18.

Thorne presented several specific cases including deceased individuals remaining on the register, eligible voters missing from the list, and the removal of DLP candidate Ensley Grainger from the St Michael East constituency. He further noted that one of late Prime Minister David Thompson’s children had been omitted from the voting register entirely.

The opposition leader expressed particular concern about the functioning of the independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (EBC), citing irregular meeting patterns and a recently cancelled session without explanation. Thorne characterized this as “wrong and suspicious behavior” that undermines public confidence in the electoral process.

Thorne emphasized that the DLP’s concerns transcend political interests, focusing instead on the fundamental democratic rights of all citizens. The party has threatened legal action to protect voter rights and is closely monitoring the EBC’s upcoming meetings. Thorne urged the commission to extend deadlines for voter registration updates, stating that Monday’s cutoff “was not sacred” and that all eligible voters—whether in Barbados or overseas—must have adequate opportunity to participate.

The DLP leader announced that his party would provide updates following the commission’s reconvened meeting, asserting that “if it is one person who is disenfranchised, that is one too many.” He stressed that “the rights of one person are as sacred as the rights of 50,000 persons, and that one person, if denied, democracy has suffered injustice.”

Candidates across St Joseph and St Thomas constituencies formally launched their electoral campaigns during Nomination Day proceedings, with infrastructure deterioration and youth unemployment emerging as predominant themes in the political discourse.

Veteran Democratic Labour Party (DLP) contender Randal Rouse completed his nomination at St Joseph Primary School amidst enthusiastic party supporters. Expressing unprecedented constituency backing, Rouse emphasized the critical need for infrastructure advocacy, particularly addressing the parish’s severely degraded road network and bridges. “Years of neglect and absent parliamentary representation have rendered our transportation infrastructure unbearable for residents,” Rouse stated, committing to prioritize preventive maintenance programs.

The candidate highlighted underemployment among young males as a pressing concern, pledging to actively lobby for employment initiatives. Having previously contested the seat multiple times, Rouse conveyed heightened optimism regarding his electoral prospects, citing substantially increased community support.

Meanwhile, Barbados Labour Party (BLP) candidate Ryan Brathwaite arrived at the nomination center accompanied by substantial supporter turnout. Describing the nomination as both humbling and energizing, Brathwaite acknowledged his mother’s enduring support throughout his political journey. “Our campaign machinery has been systematically preparing for this election,” Brathwaite remarked, emphasizing the consolidation of eighteen months of grassroots mobilization efforts to maintain the constituency’s traditional political alignment.

In St Thomas, DLP candidate Dr. Rolerick Hinds identified transportation infrastructure as a primary campaign focus, noting that deteriorating roads significantly increase residents’ vehicle maintenance and fuel expenses. “Some constituents expend $200-$300 weekly on fuel due to inadequate access routes,” Dr. Hinds revealed, particularly referencing Rock Hall’s connectivity challenges.

The candidate further highlighted public safety concerns stemming from insufficient street lighting, noting numerous dangerously dark sections throughout the parish. Additionally, Dr. Hinds addressed youth development gaps, citing the absence of community centers and social spaces as contributing to limited opportunities for young residents. “We intend to revitalize this fruitful constituency by creating meaningful engagement spaces for youth,” he committed.

A brewing controversy over the integrity of Barbados’ electoral register has intensified as opposition leaders from multiple political factions raised serious concerns about its accuracy, potentially threatening public confidence in the upcoming elections. The dispute emerged following Prime Minister Mia Mottley’s announcement that CARICOM and Commonwealth observers had been invited to monitor the electoral process, a move intended to reinforce transparency.

Kemar Stuart, Political Leader of the New National Party (part of the People’s Coalition for Progress), revealed his personal experience with register inaccuracies, noting his own name had been temporarily removed from the voter list. “While my registration has been reinstated, numerous other Barbadians may not be listed correctly,” Stuart stated, emphasizing that structural issues include deceased individuals remaining registered, constituency transfer errors, and missing eligible voters.

Stuart clarified he wasn’t advocating for election postponement but insisted the government must address these concerns comprehensively. “They must demonstrate that all legal requirements have been met,” he asserted, highlighting how the early election call has compounded administrative challenges for the Electoral and Boundaries Commission (EBC).

Echoing these concerns, Karina Goodridge, Political Leader of the Friends of Democracy, emphasized the critical need for independent oversight. “Independent verification would ensure transparency and confirm the accuracy of voter registers,” Goodridge noted, while cautioning that observers must have absolutely no connection to the Prime Minister to maintain credibility.

The Democratic Labour Party had previously called for an election delay under the Representation of the People Act, arguing the premature dissolution of parliament provided insufficient time for proper voter list preparation. Prime Minister Mottley has consistently defended the register’s integrity, maintaining that the January 15-published list fully complies with legal requirements and urging citizens to verify their registration details promptly.

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.”

In a subdued political ceremony devoid of traditional fanfare, Democratic Labour Party candidate Neil Marshall formally submitted his nomination for the St Philip South constituency on Thursday morning. The nomination process, administered by Returning Officer Karan Callender and Election Clerk Jacquiline Trotman, commenced at 11 a.m. and concluded approximately 55 minutes later, marking Marshall’s second consecutive bid for the parliamentary seat.

Distinguishing his approach from the typical carnival-like atmosphere that characterizes Barbadian political nominations, Marshall emphasized his commitment to substantive representation over theatrical politics. ‘This is a serious exercise, serious business, and I don’t make light of it,’ Marshall stated, articulating his conviction that constituents prioritize genuine engagement over political ‘razzmatazz.’

As a resident of the constituency himself, Marshall claims intimate familiarity with the pressing issues facing the community. He identified three primary concerns dominating voter priorities: the escalating cost of living, rising crime rates, and deteriorating road infrastructure. His campaign platform centers on addressing these concrete problems rather than employing spectacle-driven politics.

The nomination process in St Philip South anticipates two additional candidates: John Wayne Scantlebury representing the Bajan Free Party and Omar Smith from Friends of Democracy, both expected to complete their filings imminently. This sets the stage for a multi-party contest in the upcoming elections, with Marshall positioning himself as the serious, community-rooted alternative to incumbent Indar Weir.

In a vibrant display of political mobilization, Barbados Labour Party (BLP) candidate Indar Weir has officially become the first contender to complete the nomination process for the St Philip South constituency ahead of the February 11 general election. The nomination proceedings, conducted under the supervision of Returning Officer Karan Callender and Election Clerk Jacqueline Trotman, unfolded at Rices Pavillion amidst enthusiastic supporters adorned in the party’s signature red colors.

Weir, accompanied by his campaign team, arrived at approximately 10:05 a.m. to formalize his candidacy, a procedural requirement that concluded within thirty minutes. The atmosphere was electrified by music and the visible enthusiasm of placard-bearing supporters, creating a carnival-like political spectacle.

The incumbent parliamentarian, who has represented the constituency since 2018, expressed robust confidence in securing a third consecutive electoral victory. He revealed that his campaign apparatus was actively engaging with the constituency’s substantial electorate of over 11,000 voters. Weir acknowledged the practical challenges of maintaining regular contact with all constituents but emphasized his accessibility and responsiveness to community concerns.

This electoral battle marks a significant transformation for St Philip South, traditionally considered a stronghold of the Democratic Labour Party (DLP) before Weir’s previous successes. The upcoming election will feature a four-candidate contest, with Weir facing challenges from DLP candidate and legal professional Neil Marshall, Omar Smith representing the Friends of Democracy party, and Sean Wayne Scantlebury of the Bajan Free Party.