PM responds to request for International Election Observers

Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley says the decision to retain Regional and International Observers for next year’s General Election will come at “the appropriate time.”

Responding to a question on the matter from Oropouche East MP Dr Roodal Moonilal in the Parliament today, the Prime Minister said that the country continues to “preserve its proud record in conducting free and fair elections.”

He said: “The elections that are anticipated to be held in the not-to-distant future and can be held as late as November 2025 is not a matter that is before us at this time, notwithstanding the best efforts of our colleagues… And in the event of any consideration for the invitation of persons or agencies from the outside,  that will come at the appropriate time when it is reasonable to have that as a priority.”

Asked further by Moonilal whether he would agree that the presence of observers would enhance this country’s democratic credentials, Rowley said “not as much.”

As he referred to several legal matters brought against the government by the opposition on reports of election conduct, Rowley said that in every single context, the elections were found to be free and fair.

“I would advise my colleagues on the other side that if you are really genuinely interested in our image and reputation in the elections, you would stop battering the process and the EBC,” Rowley added. 

On Monday night, Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar revealed that she had written a seven-page letter to the Prime Minister requesting international observers.