The Organization of American States (OAS) will deploy an Electoral Observation Mission to Antigua and Barbuda ahead of the April 30 general election, according to Antigua News Room. The 17-member team, drawn from 11 countries, will be led by former OAS official Maricarmen Plata.
The mission marks the fifth time the OAS has sent observers to the twin-island nation. Funding comes from Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Peru, Korea, and the United States.
Observers will evaluate several key areas of the electoral process, including electoral organisation, technology, campaign finance, the justice system, and women's political participation. In the days leading up to the vote, team members will meet with local stakeholders across the country. On election day itself, observers will be stationed at polling sites, monitoring proceedings from the opening of polls through vote counting and the transmission of results.
A preliminary report containing findings and recommendations is expected to be released in the aftermath of the election.
The mission arrives at a critical moment, as the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party, the United Progressive Party, and a number of independent candidates move into the final stretch of their respective campaigns.
