CARICOM Observers Note Concerns on Voter List, Campaign Financing in SVG Polls

A One News SVG photo of voters lining up to cast their ballots on Election Day 2025 (November 27) at the Fair Hall Government School.

By Val Matthias. Updated 6:58 p.m., Sunday, November 30, 2025, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).

The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Election Observation Mission (CEOM), invited by the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines to observe the General Elections held on November 27, has reported a mix of confidence and concern following engagements with key electoral stakeholders.

The ten-member Mission met with Supervisor of Elections Ms. Dora James, Commissioner of Police Mr. Enville Williams, and senior officers of the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force, where several issues were raised.

Stakeholders expressed general confidence in the preparedness of the Electoral Office to conduct the elections but highlighted concerns about the adequacy of training for electoral officials, possible bias in appointments, and the need for improved accommodation for differently abled voters. The compilation of the voters’ list, particularly the conduct of the 15-day special registration exercise, was a recurring complaint, with additional concerns about the timeliness and manner of distributing the list to candidates.

The Electoral Office was commended for its voter education resources, though at least one stakeholder felt compelled to provide supplementary materials to ensure the public was adequately informed. Questions were also raised about the funding sources behind the elaborate campaigns of the two major political parties, with calls for campaign finance or integrity legislation requiring disclosure. Allegations were made regarding the use of state resources, particularly their timing, to influence voters.

Concerns were voiced about the presence of individuals not connected to St. Vincent and the Grenadines during the election season and their possible interference in the electoral process. Stakeholders also expressed fears of post-election violence, citing heightened rhetoric on the campaign trail and related tensions.

The CEOM emphasized that its mandate is to provide an independent, impartial, and honest assessment of the preparations for and conduct of the elections, underscoring CARICOM’s commitment to supporting member states in safeguarding democratic processes.

Source: https://caricom.org/preliminary-statement-caricom-election-observation-mission-to-the-2025-general-elections-in-st-vincent-and-the-grenadines/

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