An international team of experts that spent a week in Montserrat last year observing the general election has now presented its final report, offering a comprehensive evaluation of the election process.
The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association British Islands and Mediterranean Region (CPA BIMR) delegation included a Commonwealth parliamentarian, two election analysts, and an election coordinator.
During their visit, they observed various aspects of the election, including campaign activities, media involvement, polling day operations on 24 October, and the vote-counting process.
In a preliminary statement published on 26 October, the mission described the election process as transparent, fair, and reflective of the people’s will.
In the final report, the team gave a more detailed summary of the electoral process along with recommendations on how to make a variety of improvements.
Election campaign
The report described the election campaign as “lively, competitive, and peaceful”, although it noted that no public debates between political parties or candidates were broadcast.
The report also said candidate eligibility criteria may not fully align with international principles, and pointed out the lack of an effective mechanism to verify that candidates meet election requirements.
Additionally, the report noted the absence of campaign finance laws and the omission of political parties in Montserrat’s electoral legislation.
“Political parties and candidates could potentially accept unlimited and undisclosed donations, including foreign contributions,” it said.
The 2024 elections demonstrated progress in inclusivity and diversity, with a record number of female candidates and the introduction of a mobile polling station to accommodate vulnerable groups.
However, the report noted a “noticeable” low engagement among young people and the lack of response to misogynistic remarks directed at female candidates.
Election day
Election day was calm, with well-trained staff ensuring polling proceeded smoothly, the report said.
It noted that effective voter education kept the number of invalid ballots low, and party agents provided robust oversight of the polling process.
However, the report highlighted that the closing of polls and the handover to assistant returning officers could have benefited from additional training.
The counting process was praised for its high level of professionalism and transparency, with live, real-time updates provided online and at the counting centre.
The report also stated that the complaints and appeals process adheres to international principles of judicial review and second instance.
While Montserrat’s legal framework offers an adequate foundation for democratic elections, the report emphasised that several deficiencies should be addressed to align it fully with international standards.
Improved laws and guidelines
The report outlined 15 recommendations to strengthen Montserrat’s electoral process, focusing on transparency, voter education, and administrative efficiency.
It recommended amending domestic laws to align with global standards for democratic elections, anti-corruption, gender equality, and disability rights.
The report called for a comprehensive review and reform of Montserrat’s electoral legislation, to be completed well before the next elections, with updated legal texts made accessible to all stakeholders.
It also suggested revising and updating electoral procedures, including guidelines for recounts and the time between nomination and election day.
Clarifying the terms ‘domiciled’ and ‘resident’ in legislation was another recommendation to ensure consistent voter eligibility and application of voting rights.
Additionally, the report proposed removing the blanket ban on voting for prisoners serving sentences over 12 months, advocating for voting rights to be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Disclose donations
The report recommended that the government review voter registration procedures and consider additional measures to verify the accuracy of the register.
It suggested amending the constitution to align candidate eligibility criteria with international standards, removing the distinction between natural-born and naturalised citizens.
Another recommendation was to amend legislation and guidance to establish clear mechanisms for verifying candidate eligibility.
The report also proposed introducing legislation requiring political parties and candidates to disclose donations and expenditures, to limit anonymous contributions, and appoint an independent body to oversee compliance.
Additionally, it advised the government to consult with media stakeholders on measures to increase media independence and diversify media outlets.
More diversity
The report recommended measures to encourage more women to stand as candidates, including addressing misogynistic comments directed at women in politics.
It also suggested that the government explore the further use of mobile polling stations to enhance inclusion for other groups in Montserratian society.
The mission advised engaging and politically educating younger and first-time voters, alongside implementing targeted voter registration campaigns for young people.
One recommendation was to increase training for presiding officers and assistant returning officers on procedures for closing polling stations, reconciling ballot papers, and handling sensitive materials.
Finally, the report recommended amending or considering the removal of Article 53 of the Elections Act to ensure clarity regarding the minimum election threshold for candidates.
Election mission team
Members of the election observation mission delivered their findings and recommendations in a virtual press conference on 15 January, which was live streamed on ZJB Radio’s Facebook page.
CPA British Islands and Mediterranean Region (BIMR), is one of the nine regions of the CPA network, and is committed to strengthening democracy and good governance.
Its secretariat is based in the UK Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA UK).
Since 2011, CPA BIMR has organised Election Observer Missions (EOM) across six UK overseas territories.
They are Anguilla, the British Virgin Islands, Montserrat, the Turks and Caicos Islands, the Cayman Islands and St Helena.
More recently, the missions visited the Crown dependencies of Jersey, Guernsey and Isle of Man.
CPA UK and BIMR have also overseen election assessment missions to the UK general elections in 2010, 2015, 2017 and 2024.
The full report can be read here.
