Commonwealth Observers Chairperson: Same Election Issues Persist, Urgent Reform Needed

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NASSAU , BAHAMAS –

Bruce Golding – Chairperson, Commonwealth Observer Group

“Well, we’re frustrated. I told the Secretary General, in a sense, she may be wasting her money sending us here every five years to observe and make the same recommendations, and nothing happens.”

The Commonwealth Observer Group made it clear their patience is running thin.

Former Jamaican Prime Minister and head of the Commonwealth Observer Group, Bruce Golding, delivered that sharp assessment during Thursday’s press conference, where the team released its interim findings on the 2026 general election.

While Golding commended election officials for their efforts, he said the country continues to face many of the same electoral challenges raised in both 2017 and 2021.

One of the major concerns is the way constituency boundaries are drawn.

Golding pointed to a failed 2002 referendum, which would have established an independent Boundaries Commission, saying it may be time to revisit that issue.

Bruce Golding – Chairperson, Commonwealth Observer Group

“We note that recommendation of the Constituency Commission, which is responsible for the delimitation of constituency boundaries, is stilted in favor of the ruling party.”

The Observer Group also raised red flags about inconsistencies at polling stations with the sealing of ballot boxes.

Bruce Golding – Chairperson, Commonwealth Observer Group

“However, the use of stickers, zip ties, and wax to seal envelopes and ballot boxes was not always efficiently or consistently applied across the polling stations we observed.”

And throughout this election season, allegations of vote buying and financial inducements also dominated public conversation, with Golding warning that without stronger campaign finance regulations, the country risks undermining the democratic process itself.

Bruce Golding – Chairperson, Commonwealth Observer Group

“Campaign finance regulation is something that deeply concerns us.”

Bruce Golding – Chairperson, Commonwealth Observer Group

“Why do I need to bother campaigning? Just use a calculator. How much am I prepared to spend for each vote?”

Golding also addressed longstanding concerns over the voters register, saying greater transparency is needed before the final list is certified.

Bruce Golding – Chairperson, Commonwealth Observer Group

“We recommend that before the list is certified, a preliminary list should be made available by website.”