(CARICOM Secretariat, Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown, Guyana) The eleven (11) member CARICOM Observation Mission which is in Antigua and Barbuda on the invitation of the Government of Antigua and Barbuda monitored the electoral process including the Opening of the Poll, Voting, the Closing of the Poll and Counting of the ballots.
Voting was conducted in one hundred and sixty-four (164) polling stations across seventeen (17) constituencies in Antigua and Barbuda. The CARICOM Observation Mission was deployed in sixteen (16) of the seventeen (17) constituencies, with the constituency of Barbuda being the exception.
Indications are that all polling stations opened at 6:00 a.m. with all the supplies and materials required present in all polling stations. All stations were manned by highly trained and efficient poll workers under the watchful eyes of the agents representing the political parties. The polling stations were conveniently located and easily accessible to the electorate.
Adequate security was in place at most locations with the Officers displaying a very professional approach which contributed to the level of calm which accompanied the opening of the polls as in most areas long queues were in place long before the scheduled 6:00 a.m. opening. The heavy turn out of voters resulted in long queues throughout the morning, but the poll workers remained resolute and steadily carried out the required procedures despite the pressure, thus ensuring that all electors who turned out were able to register their vote.
The Mission’s assessment of the day’s activities is that the voters were able to cast their ballots without intimidation or harassment and that the results of the Elections reflect the will of the people of Antigua and Barbuda.
The Mission wishes to congratulate the staff of the Electoral Commission, the Poll Workers, the Political Parties and their Candidates, the Security Forces and the People of Antigua and Barbuda for the mature way in which the Elections were conducted with no reported incidents of violence, and the high level of patience displayed while waiting in queues.
The Mission will prepare a full report for submission to the Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), H.E. Ambassador Irwin LaRocque which will include recommendations and suggestions for strengthening the electoral process in Antigua and Barbuda.
The CARICOM Electoral Observer Mission wishes to thank the Leaders of the Political Parties, Civil Society, the Media and the People of Antigua and Barbuda for their warm welcome and cooperation which contributed to the success of the Mission.
ORRETTE FISHER
CHIEF OF MISSION
CARICOM ELECTORAL OBSERVER MISSION
12 JUNE 2014
