A team of Commonwealth experts has been deployed by Secretary-General Shirley Botchwey to observe the February 11 general election in Barbados.

The Commonwealth Expert Team (CET) will be led by Sarah Flood-Beaubrun, former speaker of the House of Assembly of Saint Lucia and senior attorney at law.

She will submit a report containing the team’s findings and recommendations to the secretary-general for her consideration and action.

The CET also comprises three other eminent Commonwealth election experts, with expertise in politics, elections, media, law and civil society.

“Our presence in Barbados to observe the upcoming general election is significant as it marks the first time the Commonwealth has deployed election experts to the country. It reaffirms our commitment to democratic resilience, and our support for credible, transparent and inclusive electoral processes,” Botchwey said.

“We stand in solidarity with the people of Barbados and support their aspirations and democratic choices, acting independently and impartially to help ensure that their collective will is freely expressed. I extend my sincere appreciation to these eminent Commonwealth citizens who have embraced this significant assignment in support of the people of Barbados,” she added.

The CET will arrive on February 5 and will meet key stakeholders, including the Electoral & Boundaries Commission, political parties, civil society groups, the media, the diplomatic community and other international and citizen observers.

The CET will be supported by Commonwealth Secretariat staff led by Michelle Scobie, adviser and head of the Secretary-General’s Good Offices and the Caribbean section.

The CET will depart Barbados on February 17.