Commonwealth Observer Group commences work in Antigua and Barbuda for 2026 General Elections

The Commonwealth Observer Group has commenced its work in Antigua and Barbuda for the 2026 General Elections, following its deployment by the Commonwealth Secretary-General, Hon Shirley Botchwey.

The Group is being led by Hon. Dr Pelonomi Venson, former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Botswana, and includes three different eminent consultants drawn from throughout the Commonwealth with expertise in election administration, politics, civil society and the media.

The Group was constituted by the Secretary-General following an invite from the Government of Antigua and Barbuda. Deploying the workforce, Secretary-General Botchwey stated:

“I am consistently encouraged by the readiness of distinguished individuals across the Commonwealth to contribute to the strengthening of democratic processes across our member states at short notice.

“I’m assured that the Chairperson, Hon. Dr Pelonomi Venson, and the members of this Group will carry their expertise to bear in delivering an unbiased, credible and balanced evaluation of the electoral course of in Antigua and Barbuda.”

Members of the Commonwealth Observer Group at the moment are in nation and can stay at some stage in their mandate. The Group will assess the pre-election surroundings, polling day actions, and the post-election interval, taking into consideration related nationwide legislation, Commonwealth values, and worldwide requirements.

Ahead of the Group’s engagement in nation, the Chairperson Hon. Dr Pelonomi Venson issued an arrival assertion saying it’s an honour to serve on this capability.

She stated:

“These elections provide an important opportunity to further strengthen democratic institutions and build public confidence in the electoral process. It is therefore important that all stakeholders uphold the principles of inclusive, transparent and participatory democracy, where every vote carries equal weight.”

The Commonwealth Observer Group will likely be supported by a workforce from the Commonwealth Secretariat, led by Lindiwe Maleleka, Political Adviser, Electoral Support Section.

During its keep, the Group will meet a variety of stakeholders, together with election officers, political representatives, civil society organisations, safety companies, the diplomatic corps, and different observer missions.

Observers may even be deployed throughout the dual island to look at polling, counting and outcomes administration processes.

An interim assertion of preliminary findings will likely be issued shortly after election day, adopted by a ultimate report.

Read the arrival statement

Members of the Commonwealth Observer Group

Chairperson:  Hon. Dr Pelonomi Venson, former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Botswana

The Commonwealth Observer Group members, in alphabetical order by nation title, are:

• Candia Dames, Executive Editor of the Nassau Guardian, The Bahamas
• Mr Ian Michael Anthony, Former Chief Elections Officer, Dominica
• Mr Aiman Rasheed – Deputy Program Director, International Republican Institute, Maldives