Antigua and Barbuda’s Supervisor of Elections, Ian Hughes, who led the CARICOM Elections Observer Mission to this week’s general elections in Trinidad and Tobago, is giving the conduct of the poll the ‘thumbs up’.
Hughes and his 12-member team traveled to Port of Spain on April 21 for the elections that were held on Monday which were won by UNC whose political leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar will be sworn in as Prime Minister for a second time.
The CEOM head said the polls were conducted in an orderly manner and that there were no major incidents during the elections.
“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,” the mission preliminary report stated.
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.
The report said that 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.
The mission also credited the elections authority for ensuring that there was 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 report stated.
Hughes is returning to St. John’s on Wednesday at the end of a mission that he has described as ‘successful’.