Saint Lucia elections “peaceful and transparent” says Commonwealth report

The Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland has released the report of the Commonwealth Observer Group (COG) to Saint Lucia’s General elections of 26 July 2021.

The COG was led by Mr Alvin A. Smith, former Speaker of The Bahamas House of Assembly. The 2021 General Elections in Saint Lucia were the 10th since independence on 22 February 1979.

The report noted that “fundamental freedoms of association, expression, assembly and movement were generally respected. The Group’s overall conclusion is that the voting, closing, and counting process at polling stations observed were peaceful, transparent, and offered eligible voters the opportunity to express their will and cast their vote.”

The report also commended the professionalism of the Electoral Commission, the staff of the Electoral Office and the polling staff for their dedication in delivering the elections.

The Group’s report offers specific recommendations to contribute to strengthening of the electoral processes in Saint Lucia.

The report has been sent to stakeholders in Saint Lucia, including the Government, political parties, and the Electoral Commission.