By way of letter dated 10 December 2024, CARICOM was invited by the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago to deploy an Election Observation Mission to observe the Parliamentary Elections to be held in 2025.
A twelve (12) member CARICOM Election Observation Mission (CEOM) arrived in Trinidad and Tobago on 21 April and will depart on 30 April 2025. The Mission is comprised of nationals of Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Guyana, Jamaica, Saint Lucia and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and supported by staff from the CARICOM Secretariat.
The CEOM’s primary role is to observe preparations for the conduct of the Parliamentary Elections and to provide an independent, impartial, and honest assessment of the electoral process, taking account of all factors that may impinge on the overall credibility and transparency of the elections.
It is noted that the elections had 161 candidates representing 17 political parties.
Prior to and on Election Day, the team observed the Special Voting in addition to the procedure for the sorting of special envelopes and the intermixing of ballots on Election Day.
The CEOM also engaged with various stakeholders including the Elections and Boundaries Commission, representatives of political parties, trade unions, civil society, religious bodies, academia, other institutions, and the media.
On polling day, the team visited 202 polling stations across 12 constituencies, including in Tobago. The team observed the polling activities, which included the opening of the polls, the voting process, the closing of the polls, and the counting of ballots.
Based on the team’s observations, the pre-poll and opening procedures were followed. The polls were opened on time in the polling districts. All polling stations observed were fully staffed and most had at least two Polling Agents present. Most polling stations were conveniently located and easily accessible to the voters, although in some instances, it was noted that accessibility presented challenges for persons with disabilities, and the elderly. The Mission further observed that there was a sufficient supply of the required voting materials at all polling stations.
Additionally, the Mission noted that there were few queues at the opening of the poll. The CEOM observed that voting proceeded in a peaceful and orderly manner. Most polling stations were divided into two streams, which aided queue management.
In all polling stations visited, a sample of the ballot paper and relevant instructions were clearly displayed. Signage was also visibly displayed outside polling stations.
Adequate police security was in place at all locations visited. The polling officials conducted their duties with professionalism, transparency, diligence and dedication. They were helpful to voters especially the elderly and persons with disabilities.
This contributed to the level of calm which accompanied the day’s activities. Generally, the poll workers were focused as they steadily carried out the required procedures, thereby ensuring that all eligible electors who turned out to vote were able to exercise their franchise.
The initial assessment of Election Day activities by the CEOM is that the voters were able to cast their ballots without intimidation or fear, and that the results of the 28 April 2025 Parliamentary Elections reflect the will of the electorate of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.
The Mission extends its appreciation to the Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs for its assistance and congratulates the staff of the Elections and Boundaries Commission; poll workers; the political parties and their candidates; stakeholders; the security forces and the people of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, on the level of maturity displayed in the conduct of the Election Day activities.
Finally, we thank the people of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago for their warm welcome and cooperation, which contributed to the success of the Mission.
A full Report will be prepared by the Chief of the CEOM for submission to the Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).
IAN S. HUGHES
CHIEF OF MISSION
CARICOM ELECTION OBSERVATION MISSION
29 April 2025
