The Organization of American States (OAS) says it is deploying an Electoral Observation Mission to observe next week’s general elections in Antigua and Barbuda.
On Friday, the OAS said that the Mission, led by the former Prime Minister of Jamaica, Bruce Golding, comprises 11 experts and observers from seven different countries.
“During its work, the Mission will observe areas such as electoral organization and registries, electoral technology, electoral justice, political finance, and the political participation of women,” said the OAS in a statement.
The mission that was deployed earlier this week, will meet with government officials, electoral authorities, political leaders and candidates, representatives of civil society and other relevant stakeholders.
On Election Day, that is Wednesday, January 18, the OAS said the Mission will be deployed throughout the country to observe the voting process.
This is the fourth time that the OAS has observed an electoral process in Antigua and Barbuda, having been present for general elections in 2009, 2014 and 2018.
Following the general elections, the OAS said the Mission will present a preliminary report with its observations, “along with recommendations that will seek to support the strengthening of the electoral process.”
The OAS said this Mission is possible thanks to the financial contributions of Brazil, Canada, Italy, Korea, The Netherlands, Peru and United States.
CMC/