U.K. Open to Observing General Election, Says High Commissioner

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NASSAU , BAHAMAS – Both the Free National Movement and the Coalition of Independents sounded the alarm, and called for international groups to send observer missions to next month’s general election.

The Organization of American States has already pledged to send independent observers, as it has done in the past.

The United States has also pledged to observe the general elections after requests from both the FNM and COI, and COI leader Lincoln Bain has said he also reached out to British officials.

While not speaking to any specific request, British High Commissioner to The Bahamas, Smita Rossetti, said that they too are willing to observe.

Smita Rossetti – British High Commissioner to The Bahamas

“We would be delighted to support in the role of international election observer, as the government and the parliamentary commission deem appropriate. We participate in international observation missions all around the world and support principles of transparency and accountability, and we’d be delighted to participate in that impartial, neutral manner here in The Bahamas too.”

The fact is, international observers have overseen past elections, but concerns this time around are claims of fraudulent passports and voters’ cards in the system.

The Bahamas is a Commonwealth member, Rossetti said it’s important that integrity is kept.

Smita Rossetti – British High Commissioner to The Bahamas

“It matters in all countries, but of course, we value our relationship with The Bahamas as a member of the Commonwealth very highly, and we look forward to coordinating with other Commonwealth countries that may be coming in to observe.”

Her comments came on the sidelines of the Opportunity Hub digital launch Friday morning, outside of the electorate, they say they’ll continue to invest in the relationship between both countries.

Smita Rossetti – British High Commissioner to The Bahamas

“The UK is a fantastic market for Bahamian businesses who are looking to diversify imports and exports. We have an economic partnership agreement with The Bahamas that allows for quota- and duty-free access for Bahamian goods into a market of 17 million British consumers.”