CARICOM Election Observer Missions

CARICOM Election Observer Missions

The CARICOM Election Observer Missions (CEOM) promote democratic governance across the Caribbean by providing an impartial, evidence-based assessment of electoral processes. Deployed at the invitation of host governments, CEOMs observe elections across the pre-electoral, electoral, and post-electoral phases in accordance with internationally recognised principles of election observation.

On election day, Observers monitor the entire polling process, including preparations for the opening of polls, the casting of votes, the closure of polling stations, the counting of ballots, and the preparation of Statements of Poll. They also collect results information at voting tables to support the quantitative verification of electoral outcomes. In parallel, Observers record qualitative observations on the conduct of the voting process, the professionalism of electoral officials, the behaviour of political actors, and the overall electoral environment.

In the post-electoral period, CEOMs assess the declared results and their immediate social and political impact. Observers contribute to the preparation of the official Observer Mission Report, led by the Chief of Mission, through the submission of observation sheets and oral reports based on their findings. Through this structured and transparent approach, CEOMs strengthen public confidence in electoral processes and reinforce CARICOM’s commitment to democratic governance, the rule of law, and peaceful political participation across the Region.

Related Resources

Key Facts

Key Facts

  • First Mission: 2000 (Haiti and Suriname)
  • Authority: The Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM has mandated the Secretariat to mount CARICOM Election Observation Missions (CEOMs) at the formal invitation of the host Member State or Associate Member.
  • Core Principles: Neutrality, non-interference, and strict adherence to host-country laws.
  • Framework: The CEOM operates under the Charter of Civil Society for the Caribbean Community, which mandates the preservation of democracy and the regular holding of free and fair elections as fundamental regional values.

CARICOM Observer Mission Handbook

CARICOM Observer Mission Handbook

This Handbook provides information on election observation in general, background to and Terms of Reference (TOR) for CARICOM Election Observation and an aggregation of internationally accepted techniques in election observation that have been developed over the past decade. 

Its purpose is to provide an easy source of reference for CARICOM Election Observers, both new and experienced and should be used to complement country specific materials that are usually prepared and distributed by the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat prior to the mounting of a Mission.

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