Thorne Raises Alarm Over Electoral Process, Voters’ List

Political Leader of the Democratic Labour Party, Ralph Thorne, has raised serious concerns about the conduct of the Electoral and Boundaries Commission (EBC), warning that Barbados’ democracy could be undermined if even one eligible voter is denied the right to vote.

Thorne was speaking to the media after completing his nomination process, where he thanked residents of St. John for what he described as a warm reception and acceptance over the past year.

“I want to thank the people of St. John who have received me so warmly,” Thorne said, also expressing gratitude to those who nominated and seconded him, whom he described as outstanding citizens of both the constituency and Barbados.

However, his remarks quickly turned to the functioning of the Electoral and Boundaries Commission, which he said has not been operating in a manner consistent with its role as an independent constitutional body.

Thorne claimed the government had interfered in the electoral process by hastening the enumeration exercise and by hiring postal workers to conduct voter registration, actions he said raised questions about the commission’s independence.

“The Electoral and Boundaries Commission is an independent constitutional body, like the courts. It cannot be controlled or influenced by the government,” Thorne stated.

He also expressed concern that the commission had not been meeting regularly since the election was announced, noting that a recently scheduled meeting was initially limited to one hour, then cancelled without explanation.

“If you heard that the courts were not sitting for weeks or months, you would be concerned,” he said. “So when the Electoral and Boundaries Commission is not meeting, citizens must begin to assume that something is wrong.”

According to Thorne, opposition-appointed members of the commission have been excluded from its work, further deepening mistrust. He questioned whether the commission was being managed independently or whether there was communication between senior officials and the government.

The DLP leader said the party has been approached by several citizens who claim they were removed from the voters’ list or were unable to correct errors in time. He cited examples of deceased persons appearing on the list and living individuals, including a DLP candidate being removed.

Thorne revealed that more than 8,000 people were reportedly placed on a list for possible disenfranchisement and were given only a few days to resolve the matter.

“That is not right,” he said. “If it is one person who is denied the right to vote, democracy has suffered injustice.”

He also confirmed that the party is prepared to take legal action to protect voters’ rights, stressing that the concerns being raised are not partisan.

“This is not on behalf of the Democratic Labour Party,” Thorne said. “This is on behalf of the people of Barbados.”

Thorne welcomed news that the EBC was expected to meet later in the day but said confidence in the commission has been eroded.

He further called for an extension of the voter registration deadline, arguing that while election dates may be fixed, the right to vote is sacred.

“There is nothing sacred about last night’s deadline,” he said. “What is sacred is the right of the people to vote.”

In addressing the wider political climate, Thorne also condemned what he described as attempts to place a monetary value on voters, urging Barbadians to reject what he called “vulgar and disrespectful” politics.

“People must not allow themselves to be treated as commodities,” he said. “An election is about investing in the future of the country, not purchasing votes.”

Thorne said the Democratic Labour Party remains focused on contesting all 30 constituencies and on engaging voters in what he described as a respectful and wholesome manner.