ELECTION OBSERVATION IN THE COMMONWEALTH
INSIGHTS INTO AN ELECTION OBSERVER MISSION IN MONTSERRAT As the Head of Mission for the recent election observation in Montserrat, it is with great pride and humility that I share my insights on the process of overseeing such a critical function of democracy. Election observation is not simply a task of monitoring electoral processes; it is an undertaking that requires a deep understanding of the political, cultural and logistical landscape of the host country, in this case, the Emerald Isle of the Caribbean - Montserrat. As an Anguillian Parliamentarian, having had the privilege to lead this mission, I reflect upon the multifaceted role that election observers play, the challenges faced and the crucial lessons learned. The Role of an Election Observer Mission Election observer missions serve as independent, impartial bodies tasked with observing the fairness, transparency and credibility of the electoral process. Their objective is to verify that the elections comply with international standards and best practices. These missions generally focus on a range of elements such as the electoral framework, voter registration, campaign conditions, conduct at polling stations, counting procedures and the handling of any disputes or irregularities that may arise. In Montserrat, the task of overseeing the election was a critical one. It was my responsibility to ensure that our team of observers were fully prepared to carry out their observations, while maintaining neutrality and cultural sensitivity throughout the process. Assembling the Observer Team One of the most significant tasks in leading an election observation mission is assembling a team of skilled and impartial observers. A diverse team with varied expertise, ranging from electoral law and political science to human rights and logistics, is essential for conducting a thorough assessment of the election process. In this case, I had the privilege of working with a team of experienced professionals from Scotland, Northern Ireland, Spain, Austria and the United Kingdom. Each observer brought a unique perspective and wealth of experience. Central to the selection of the observer team is the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association UK Branch (CPA UK). CPA UK is responsible for planning election missions, as well as
selecting and training the observers. They do this in their capacity as the Secretariat for the CPA British Islands and Mediterranean Region, a key feature of their commitment to strengthening democracy and good governance. CPA UK officials worked closely with the team to ensure that we were thoroughly briefed on Montserrat’s political environment, the legal framework and the specific roles and responsibilities of election observers. This was an essential part of our preparation, as observers needed to be well-versed in both the expectations of the mission and the cultural nuances of the host country. Our team was made up of: two Election Analysts, Merce Castells (Spain) and Armin Rabitsch (Austria); short-term Observer, Steve Aiken, MLA (Northern Ireland); CPA UK Election Co-ordinator Martin Vickery (UK) and Election Administrator Nicky Davis (UK); Deputy Head of Mission, Jamie Greene, MSP (Scotland), and myself as Head of Mission. Preparatory Phase: Understanding the Context Before embarking on the mission itself, the first step was to fully comprehend the political and electoral landscape of Montserrat. Montserrat, an Overseas Territory of the United Kingdom, is unique in that it operates with a combination of British oversight and local governance. The Montserratian political system includes a Legislative Assembly with elected Members, and the Head of Government, the Premier, is chosen from among them. The 2024 election was particularly important as it followed a period of recovery from COVID19, a change in the role of the Governor’s office, significant economic limitations due to access and limited resources, as well a unique relationship with its governing power, the United Kingdom. This context shaped much of the electoral atmosphere. Understanding these dynamics was crucial in preparing for the mission. Prior to election day, we held preliminary discussions with local stakeholders, including the Electoral Commission, government representatives, political parties, the media and civil society organisations. These interactions helped us gauge the state of political engagement, the transparency of the election process and any potential concerns that could arise during the observation period. Additionally, we observed political rallies and motorcades of all political parties and independent candidates.
Hon. Shellya Rogers-Webster, MHA is a Member of the Anguilla House of
Assembly since 2022 and the District Representative for Anguilla’s Valley North Constituency. In October 2024, she was the Head of the CPA British Islands and Mediterranean Region’s Election Observer Mission to the Montserrat National Elections. Prior to her election, she served in various roles across the Anguilla Public Service for 14 years, including the Department of Youth and Culture and the Anguilla Tourist Board. She was awarded the Chevening Scholarship in 2015 and she promotes the empowerment of young women through professional development, sport and community work.
320 | The Parliamentarian | 2024: Issue Four | 100 years of publishing