Commonwealth Observers Urge Regulation Of Campaign Funding In Trinidad And Tobago

The Commonwealth Observer Group (COG) has commended key election stakeholders of Trinidad and Tobago on a well-organised parliamentary election, in preliminary findings on the 2025 polls, but urged action to regulate campaign finance to ensure a level playing field for all candidates.

The group noted other areas for improvement, including the need to rebuild confidence in democratic institutions and address the issue of low youth voter turnout. It recommended that measures be considered to promote greater civic participation in the electoral process by allowing longer periods for voter education and awareness raising.

The COG chairperson and former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Malta, Evarist Bartolo, said the group attended the final rallies of political parties, which were peaceful, colourful, and well attended, echoing the true colours of the country’s carnival spirit.

The chairperson said: “We reiterate the 2015 Commonwealth Observer Group’s statement that the Elections and Boundaries Commission (EBC) is reflecting on proposals to regulate registration and campaign financing of political parties. Ten years ago, the COG recommended that the parliament, political parties and all relevant stakeholders prioritise this process. This has become even more urgent.”

The group commended the EBC for providing clear and helpful signage in all polling stations to aid the flow and coherence of the voting process.

Commenting on one of the unique aspects of this election, the group said: “We noticed the presence of information desk officers in each polling division, tasked with guiding voters upon arrival to their respective voting stations. This initiative is commendable.”

The Commonwealth Observer Group commended the people of Trinidad and Tobago for exercising their right to vote in an orderly manner and congratulates the EBC, polling staff, political parties, police, and the media for their roles in ensuring the successful conduct of polls.

Before it departs from Trinidad and Tobago, the COG will prepare its final report, an independent assessment setting out its full findings on the entire electoral process, with detailed recommendations to further improve the country’s electoral process.

The final report will then be submitted to the Commonwealth Secretary-General, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, and thereafter shared with the Government of Trinidad and Tobago, the EBC, political parties, and other key stakeholders.