By Sue-Ann Wayow

THE Caricom Election Observer Team has met the Election and Boundaries Commission (EBC).

The EBC stated that the meeting was held on Tuesday at the Courtyard by Marriott Hotel in Port of Spain.

The EBC in a media release stated that it was a significant step toward promoting transparency and reinforcing public confidence in the electoral process.

The EBC stated that the meeting was constructive, fostering mutual understanding and reinforcing a shared commitment to transparent and credible electoral processes.

“The dialogue was marked by openness, collaboration, and a shared goal of ensuring free, fair, and peaceful elections,” it stated.

Discussions were mainly focused on the commission’s comprehensive preparations for the upcoming elections, including initiatives in voter education, the training and selection criteria for Returning Officers and Polling Day staff and the identification of accessible venues for polling stations.

Special voting procedures, as well as protocols for the counting of votes and the timely announcement of results, were also reviewed.

Additionally, the Observer Team was apprised of the Commission’s positions regarding matters currently and previously raised in the public domain.

They reiterated their role was to observe and learn, the EBC stated.

 At the conclusion of the meeting, both parties reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining open lines of communication and ongoing cooperation as the nation prepares for Election Day on Monday, April 28, 2025, the release stated.

The Opposition also met with the Caricom Electoral Observer Mission at the Office of the Leader of the Opposition in Port of Spain.

The United National Congress (UNC) delegation comprised:

•     Wade Mark, Leader of Opposition Business in the Senate

•     Peter Kanhai, General Secretary, UNC

•     Darrell Allahar, Attorney-at-Law,

•     Dr. Kirk Meighoo, Public Relations Officer, UNC

•     Sasha Mohammed, Communications, Office of the Leader of the Opposition

•     Vijay Gosyne, Data Analyst

 The Caricom Electoral Observer Mission members included:

(i) Ian Hughes, Supervisor of Elections, Antigua and Barbuda Electoral Commission, (Chief of Mission);

(ii)Dora James, Supervisor of Elections, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Electoral Office, (Deputy Chief of Mission);

(iii)Angella Prendergast, Director, Foreign and Community Relations;

(iv)Shae-Alicia Lewis, Programme Manager, Community Relations;

(v)Irvin Brown, Project Officer, Foreign and Community Relations; and

(vi) Serojnie Seetaram, Senior Secretary, Foreign and Community Relations

Following the meeting with the Caricom election observers, the Opposition also held a subsequent press conference to speak further on matters raised