Chief OAS observer Bruce Golding sees smooth elections process

Head of the Organisation of American States (OAS) Election Observation Mission, Bruce Golding, on Monday said voting went on smoothly and minor cautionary measures by polling day staff have strengthened confidence in the process.

Golding addressed reporters at St. Gabriel’s Primary School and noted that by mid-morning, observers had visited 340 polling stations across seven regions.

He reported that the process was generally smooth, with the exception of one polling station that opened late.

“By and large, things have been moving smoothly. All of the polling stations we visited, with one exception, opened on time. That one had a difficulty because, when they started out, they didn’t have the screen for the polling compartment,” he said.

Golding explained that the issue was quickly resolved, and further pointed to small discrepancies in the placement of voting screens at a few polling stations — sometimes positioned outward to prevent voters from photographing ballots.

He emphasised that these discrepancies were “more out of an abundance of caution” than any attempt to circumvent procedures.

The OAS mission praised the professionalism of election staff and the vigilance of party agents.

Asked about the 2020 elections, when disputes arose during tabulation in Region Four, Golding said changes to regulations had since been made to prevent a recurrence.

“I don’t anticipate a recurrence of that problem… I expect that the tabulation will proceed smoothly. I hope it will be a result that reflects the true and free expression of the will of the people,” he said.

He added that the OAS will continue monitoring ballot counting at polling stations and tabulation centres into the night, with a final report to be released once the process is complete.