External observers facilitated for 2020 General Elections despite COVID-19

The Government of St.Kitts and Nevis made successful arrangements to facilitate the visit of a CARICOM Observer team to join with local observers in monitoring the 2020 general elections in the Federation. These arrangements were put in place in spite of the restrictions on travel inwards occasioned by the national response to the Covid 19 pandemic.

The National COVID-19Task Force instituted special protocols to facilitate the entry and ground operations of the team.  These included screening upon arrival,administration of a molecular (RT-PCR) test, housing in a designated government facility, daily screenings by health officials and all other new normal safety protocols.

Local observers were also engaged in a virtual training session conducted by the CARICOM in conjunction with local experts. Nineteen such individuals representing a cross section of civil society benefited from the training initiative.

Both Local and external observers emphasized in official releases to date that the elections done here in St Kitts and  Nevis was “free and fair, and free from fear”.
“See Preliminary Statement by CARICOM Observer Mission here”.

While there may have been some organizational and administrative hiccups, in no way did it prevent the people of St Kitts and Nevis from exercising their vote.The process by having them (external observers) attend and to be part of the election was very important and was done in a very professional way.”As stated by Attorney General Vincent Byron.