ELECTION OBSERVERS – What they do, their role and purpose

The trending topic given yesterday’s announcement that for the first time two observers groups will be invited to observe the February 11 general elections.

What election observers do

• Observe polling day activities: opening of polls, voting procedures, closing, and counting of ballots
• Watch compliance with election laws: making sure rules and procedures are followed
• Monitor voter access: checking that voters can cast ballots freely, without intimidation or discrimination
• Observe conduct of officials and parties: including polling staff, security, and party agents
• Document irregularities: delays, procedural breaches, voter intimidation, or misuse of state resources
• Report findings: through statements or reports after the election

Their role

• Promote transparency – their presence reassures the public that the process is being watched
• Build public confidence – voters are more likely to trust results when independent observers are present
• Deter misconduct – wrongdoing is less likely when elections are under scrutiny
• Provide impartial assessments – they offer an objective view of how the election was conducted
• Recommend improvements – highlighting areas where future elections can be strengthened

Their purpose

The main purpose of election observers is to:

• Protect the integrity of the electoral process
• Strengthen democracy
• Ensure elections reflect the will of the people
• Support peaceful and credible elections

Types of election observers

• Domestic observers – local civil society groups, NGOs, or citizen organisations
• International observers – regional or international bodies (e.g. CARICOM, Commonwealth, OAS, EU)
• Party agents (not observers) – represent political parties and are different from independent observers

What observers cannot do

• They cannot interfere with voting or counting
• They cannot instruct election officials
• They cannot campaign or influence voters
• They do not certify winners—they assess the process, not the result