Voters in Barbados began casting ballots Wednesday in a snap general election called a year early by Prime Minister Mia Mottley, who is seeking a third consecutive term. Political observers characterize the race as a contest between the incumbent Barbados Labour Party (BLP) and the main opposition Democratic Labour Party (DLP).
Polling stations opened at 6:00 a.m. local time and will close 12 hours later. Supervisor of Elections Sherland Turton announced that communication devices, including smartwatches, smartphones, and smart pens, are prohibited inside polling stations under new regulations designed to maintain ballot secrecy.
For the first time in Barbadian history, the election is being monitored by observer groups from the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the Commonwealth. Mottley invited the observers to uphold the country’s democratic reputation while rejecting opposition calls to postpone the vote.
The BLP won all 30 seats in the previous two elections. At a Tuesday rally, Mottley told supporters “there will not be arrogance” in the party. DLP speakers pledged to “restore the balance in this country” and “take back our country.”
The Electoral and Boundaries Commission reminded voters to bring national identification cards to their registered polling stations, though valid passports or driver’s licenses are also acceptable. Employers must allow workers at least one hour to vote without wage deductions or penalties.
