The St Helena election day process has been hailed ‘transparent, well-organised and professionally managed,’ by Gary Clueit MLC.

Mr Clueit (pictured centre with Election Observation Mission team members) was speaking following his return from the UK Overseas Territory where he served as Head of Mission to the Election Observation Mission, a seven-strong team of independent international observers including parliamentarians from Guernsey and Gibraltar, charged with assessing the electoral process on General Election Day in St Helena, Wednesday September 3.

The Election Observation Mission was organised by the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association British Islands and Mediterranean Region (CPA BMIR) and carried out at the invitation of the Deputy Speaker of the Legislative Council of St Helena Hon Catherine Cranfield.

The Mission engaged with stakeholders, including all candidates, civil society, the business community, local authorities and government officials prior to the election, observed the process on Election Day visiting all seven polling stations, and observed the overnight count.

Mr Clueit continued: ‘We're deeply appreciative of the warm and open reception our international team of observers received in St Helena. On Election Day, we observed a process that was transparent, well-organised and professionally managed. The commitment and professionalism of those involved in delivering the election were evident throughout the day. We hope our initial observations and forthcoming report will support the people of St Helena in continuing to strengthen democratic processes on the island.’

St Helena is one of the most remote islands in the world with a population of under 4,000 residents.  A General Election is held every four years to elect a 12-member Legislative Council. An Executive Council comprising five of the members, including the Chief Minister, is elected by the 12 members of the unicameral parliament.

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For further information contact:

Joann Corkish, Deputy Clerk of Tynwald

Legislative Buildings
Douglas, IM1 3PW
Tel: 01624 685511
enquiries@tynwald.org.im