EBC rejects claims of electoral interference

The Electoral and Boundaries Commission (EBC) has rejected claims that Barbados’ electoral process has been compromised, stating there is no evidence of any attempt to manipulate or interfere with elections.

Chairman Ramon Alleyne addressed the issue during a press conference today at the EBC’s Warrens office, saying recent public commentary had prompted the Commission to respond directly.

“Let me start by saying unequivocally the Electoral and Boundaries Commission has no evidence whatsoever that there has been any attempt to steal, manipulate or otherwise compromise the electoral process in Barbados,” Alleyne said. 

“The degree of misinformation unfortunately calls into question the integrity of the Commission and its staff and it certainly is my responsibility to speak as to that aspect.”

He stressed that the EBC is a constitutionally independent body and that no minister directs or controls its work, noting that while other government departments assist with operational matters, the Commission alone has authority over the voters’ register.

Alleyne also defended the recently completed enumeration exercise, describing it as consistent with past practice. 

“The recent enumeration exercise… has been completed and it was carried on in the normal manner in which it has been carried on over the decades,” he said. 

He noted that while EBC staff lead the process, other trained government workers, including postal workers, were used under EBC supervision.

He reminded the public that persons who believe they were removed from the voters’ register in error can still apply to be reinstated, even after an election is called, once they meet the legal requirements.

The Electoral and Boundaries Commission (EBC) has rejected claims that Barbados’ electoral process has been compromised, stating there is no evidence of any attempt to manipulate or interfere with elections.

Chairman Ramon Alleyne addressed the issue during a press conference today at the EBC’s Warrens office, saying recent public commentary had prompted the Commission to respond directly.

“Let me start by saying unequivocally the Electoral and Boundaries Commission has no evidence whatsoever that there has been any attempt to steal, manipulate or otherwise compromise the electoral process in Barbados,” Alleyne said. 

“The degree of misinformation, unfortunately, calls into question the integrity of the Commission and its staff and it certainly is my responsibility to speak as to that aspect.”

He stressed that the EBC was a constitutionally independent body and that no minister directed or controlled its work, noting that while other government departments assisted with operational matters, the Commission alone had authority over the voters’ register.

Alleyne also defended the recently completed enumeration exercise, describing it as consistent with past practice. 

“The recent enumeration exercise… has been completed and it was carried on in the normal manner in which it has been carried on over the decades,” he said. 

He noted that while EBC staff led the process, other trained government workers, including postal workers, were used under EBC supervision.

He reminded the public that people who believe they were removed from the voters’ register in error could still apply to be reinstated, even after an election is called, once they meet the legal requirements. (AM)

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