PRELIMINARY STATEMENT | CARICOM Election Observation Mission to the 2026 General Election of Barbados

In response to an invitation extended by the Government of Barbados on 27 January 2026, CARICOM deployed a three-member CARICOM Election Observation Mission (CEOM) to observe the General Election, which took place on 11 February 2026.

The Mission comprises senior electoral officials from three CARICOM Member States, namely, Antigua and Barbuda, Belize, and Jamaica, who are supported by three members of the CARICOM Secretariat.

The role of the CEOM is to offer an independent, informed, and impartial analysis of the electoral process, taking into account all factors that may impinge upon the overall credibility and transparency of the election.

The preliminary findings in this Statement are based on an assessment of the pre-election environment, including discussions with stakeholders, as well as direct observations during the voting process, and the counting of ballots.

Pre-Election Environment

The CEOM engaged in extensive consultations with a broad cross-section of stakeholders from across Barbados, including:

• The Hon. Mia Amor Mottley, S.C., M.P., Prime Minister of Barbados, and Leader of the Barbados Labour Party;
• Mr. Ralph Thorne, K.C., Leader of the Opposition and Leader of the Democratic Labour Party;
• Ms. Karina Goodridge, Political Leader of Friends of Democracy;
• Mr. Grenville Phillips, President of Solutions Barbados;
• Mr. Alex Mitchell, Political Leader of the Bajan Free Party (BFP);
• Mr. Ambrose Grosvenor, Chairman of the United Progressive Party (UPP); and Ms. Natalie Paris, Vice-Chair of the New National Party (NNP), who both represented the People's Coalition for Progress;
• Mr. Richard Boyce, Commissioner of Police;
• Mr. Ramon Alleyne, Chairman of the Electoral and Boundaries Commission (EBC), other members of the Commission, and Ms. Sherland Turton, Chief Electoral Officer.

The CEOM also met with independent candidates, Ms. Suzanne Holligan and Mr. Erskine Alleyne, as well as the following civil society organisations and representatives:

• The Barbados Christian Council;
• The Barbados Evangelical Association;
• The Barbados Council for the Disabled;
• Dr. Kerry-Ann Ifill, National Human Rights Commissioner;
• The Barbados Youth Development Council;
• The National Union of Public Workers (NUPW); and
• The Barbados Association of Journalists and Media Workers (BARJAM).

Some of the concerns raised by stakeholders included:

• The composition and transparency of the voters' list;
• Needed reform for greater access to the electoral process for persons with disabilities;
• Campaign financing;
• Media access;
• Difficulties communicating with and receiving support from the EBC;
• Voter education; and
• A call for fixed dates for elections, to provide greater predictability for all stakeholders.

Regarding the voters' list, the Mission noted the concerns of stakeholders regarding the enumeration process, the omission of names from the list, confusion regarding the polling stations at which some electors were registered to vote, the inclusion of deceased voters on the list, and the removal of voters erroneously identified as deceased. However, the Mission observed that the Electoral and Boundaries Commission made concerted efforts to address these queries leading up to the polls.

Election Day

Opening of the Poll

Members of the team visited polling stations across nineteen of the thirty contested constituencies. CARICOM Observers arrived at polling stations prior to the scheduled opening at 6:00 a.m. and noted that the police presence was adequate. Polling staff were present, as prescribed, and the necessary election supplies were delivered in a timely manner, ensuring the prompt opening of the polls. We observed that at least two (2) polling agents were present in each polling station visited. The required notices and instructions for electors were posted, and the polling staff carried out the opening of the poll procedures as stipulated. The team observed voters arriving at polling stations just before the opening and they appeared enthusiastic to cast their ballots.

Voting Process

After the opening of polls, voters were able to cast their votes in a peaceful and orderly manner. At the polling locations visited, the voting process was well organised and carried out in accordance with the procedures and regulations outlined by the law. Polling staff appeared adequately trained, courteous and efficient. They conducted their duties in an impartial and professional manner. Voters were disciplined in casting their ballots. Voter turnout maintained a steady pace throughout the day but appeared noticeably low. Regarding the configuration of polling stations, it was observed that the positioning of voting booths was inconsistent.

The team observed that none of the polling stations had the list of electors posted to allow voters to verify their names. Nonetheless, Traffic Clerks were utilised at some locations to assist in directing voters to their assigned stations. Members of the team received reports, however, of voters whose names were not included on lists at the polling stations or reflected on the master voters' list.

Assistance was provided to incapacitated and elderly voters as required; however, the team noted that the location and configuration of some polling stations posed challenges for elderly voters and persons with disabilities to access.

Close of Poll

The Mission identified polling stations to observe the close of the poll at 6:00 p.m. The team arrived at these polling stations approximately thirty minutes before the polls were scheduled to close. The Presiding Officers were prompt in their declaration of the closure of poll. At most polling stations, there were no voters in line at this juncture. In instances where voters remained in line, polling staff allowed them to cast their ballots. The CEOM concluded that the close of poll was conducted in accordance with established procedures and guidelines.

Transportation of Ballots

Members of the team observed presiding officers, accompanied by police escorts, political party agents, and senior poll staff, transporting ballot boxes to the assigned counting centres without incident and in accordance with established procedures.

Counting of Ballots

The team observed that the counting of the ballots took place in accordance with the law. Once received by the Returning Officer at the counting centres and after the completion of all administrative procedures, including, the addition of special votes to their specific ballot boxes, the counting teams were assigned various boxes. Ballot boxes were counted simultaneously and in the presence of agents of the political parties. Once completed and verified by the Returning Officers and the agents, the results were then transmitted to the media.

While the process was transparent, the Mission noted that the centralized transport and counting of ballot boxes contributed to a lengthy tabulation period which could be optimised for future elections.

Overall Impression

The CEOM is of the view that on Election Day, electors were generally able to exercise their franchise in a peaceful, orderly, and transparent manner, but noted some minor challenges. These challenges were not significant enough to affect the outcome of the elections. The CEOM is also of the view that poll staff performed their duties professionally, for which they are to be commended. It is further worth noting that police officers serving at polling locations maintained law and order and exhibited high professionalism in their interactions with electors and stakeholders.

We acknowledge the efforts of the Electoral and Boundaries Commission and polling staff in the administration of the electoral process. We also commend the political parties, their agents, and supporters for their peaceful conduct and discipline on Election Day.

Recommendations

The CEOM has identified the following preliminary recommendations:

1. Accessibility: Efforts should be made to ensure that all polling stations are accessible to persons with limited mobility and disabilities;

• Decentralized Counting: The counting of votes at the individual polling stations could be considered to facilitate the more efficient tabulation and transmission of results and reduce logistical risks. This would also minimize the need for the recruitment of additional poll workers and security officers; and

• Voters' List Management: The Electoral and Boundaries Commission may wish to review its enumeration and registration process to enhance the management and accuracy of the voters' list.

Conclusion

It is the Mission's considered view that the results of the 2026 General Election reflect the will of the people of Barbados.

A comprehensive Final Report, outlining detailed findings and key recommendations, will be submitted to the Secretary-General of CARICOM in the coming weeksand shared with the Government of Barbados, as well as other key stakeholders and the wider public.

The CARICOM Election Observation Mission wishes to express its gratitude to the leaders of the political parties, civil society groups, other stakeholders, the media, and the people of Barbados for their warm welcome and cooperation, which contributed to the success of this undertaking.