The Network of NGOs of Trinidad and Tobago for the Advancement of Women is urging the Elections and Boundaries Commission (EBC) and the Government to invite international observers for the May 24 general election.
In a media release, Network Director of International Relations, Dr Kris Rampersad said such a move would reinforce the Government’s commitment to transparency and democracy.
She is suggesting that experts be invited from the Commonwealth Secretariat, the Organisation of American States (OAS) and CARICOM.
"We anticipate that this would help to ensure that the integrity of our election processes is sound and indisputable,” she said.
Rampersad added, "Already we are hearing sounds on the hustings of fears of gerrymandering, voter padding and interference and it would be useful that measures be taken to assuage any such doubts that may arise over the election results.
“Trinidad and Tobago further committed to the sound governance practices set by the Commonwealth and the Organisation of American States (OAS) last year.
"We can now request the presence of election observer teams from these institutions to verify and certify the integrity of our election processes so our democratic record will not be tarnished by questions raised during or subsequent to the 2010 Election.
Rampersad said having observers would help ensure that human rights are observed during the election.
She explained that as a member of the OAS, Trinidad and Tobago subscribes to the Inter-American Charter, Article 24 which provides for electoral observation missions on the request of Member States.
The Charter states that the member state "shall guarantee conditions of security, free access to information, and full cooperation with the electoral observation mission” and such missions shall be carried out “in accordance with the principles and norms of the OAS."
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