MEDIA RELEASE: PM Kamla requests Commonwealth Observer Group

PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar meets Commonwealth Secretary General Kamlesh Sharma

PRIME Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar SC has requested a technical observer team from the Commonwealth for the upcoming general election on September 7, 2015.

The request was made on Friday during the 36th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) in Bridgetown, Barbados. Heads of Government met with the Commonwealth Secretary-General H.E. Kamalesh Sharma.

Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar said an official request will be made in accordance with established protocols through Trinidad and Tobago’s Elections and Boundaries Commission (EBC). When the request is received, the Commonwealth will deploy an assessment mission before formally accepting.

The Prime Minister noted that the last time a Commonwealth Observer Group visited Trinidad & Tobago was for the General Elections of 2000, and a great deal of valuable assessments and recommendations came out of the final report.

Also a recipient of the IAPC Democracy Medal in 2013, Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar has consistently emphazised her dedication to fair and democratic elections, and highlighted the exemplary work done by Commonwealth Observers during Guyana’s elections in May 2015.

Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar also used the opportunity to commend and congratulate the Commonwealth Secretary General on his contribution to the institution. Sharma will soon retire from the position.