An international team has arrived in Montserrat to begin a week-long observation of the island’s general election process.
Governor Sarah Tucker invited the group to assess the voting system against international standards, commitments and obligations, as well as domestic laws.
The seven visiting observers include parliamentarians from Anguilla, Northern Ireland and Scotland, two election experts and two members of staff from Commonwealth Parliamentary Association UK.
This is the third general election in Montserrat that international observers have been invited to. Previous missions took place in 2014 and 2019.
In the run up to election day which will take place on 24 October, the team will meet with key stakeholders, including officials, parliamentary candidates, and local stakeholder groups.
The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, British Islands and Mediterranean Region, which is committed to strengthening democracy and good governance, organised the mission.
Since 2011, there have been election observer mission across Anguilla, British Virgin Islands, Montserrat, Turks and Caicos Islands, Cayman Islands and St Helena, as well as the Crown dependencies.
The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association also oversaw missions to the UK general election in 2010, 2015, 2017 and 2024.
In a press release, mission head Shellya Rogers-Webster, a member of the House of Assembly of Anguilla, said she welcomed the opportunity to observe Montserrat’s election.
“Election observations have an important place in strengthening democracies, upholding international standards in electoral processes, and enhancing public trust in institutions,” she said.
“This mission reflects that, and we are grateful for the warm reception we have already received from individuals and groups in Montserrat who are willing to engage with the mission.”
After election day, the visitors will hold a press conference, releasing their preliminary report. A final report with detailed findings and recommendations will be made public two months later.
Anyone who wishes to share their experience of the general election can contact the mission on cpabimr@parliament.uk
