A group of international election observers is set to arrive in St Helena before the General Election scheduled for Wednesday, 3 September 2025. The Election Observation Mission consists of seven individuals and is coordinated by the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association British Islands and Mediterranean Region (CPA BIMR).
The mission includes three parliamentarians from Isle of Man, Guernsey, and Gibraltar, two election experts, and two staff members from the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association UK branch (CPA UK). In preparation for election day, these observers will meet with election officials, parliamentary candidates, and local groups to understand the electoral process and the context surrounding this year’s vote.
Members of the public who wish to share their experiences regarding the election can contact the mission at [email protected]. The observers are tasked with assessing whether the election meets international standards as well as domestic laws. This marks only the second time that international observers have been invited to St Helena; in 2021, observation was conducted virtually due to Covid-19 restrictions.
A press conference introducing the mission will be held at 10:00 on Tuesday, 26 August 2025. Following election day, initial findings will be shared during a radio broadcast on Friday, 5 September 2025. A comprehensive final report with detailed findings and recommendations will be published two months later.
Deputy Chris Blin, one of the observers participating in this mission, said: “It’s a real privilege to have been invited to observe the General Election in St Helena. It’s a special opportunity to strengthen the democratic process, encourage openness, support the upholding of international standards and foster public trust in institutions, as well as connecting with the island’s vibrant community. Over the next two weeks, we’re looking forward to learning from people across the island and sharing this important moment together.”
According to CPA UK/BIMR guidelines and history, CPA BIMR has previously organized Election Observer Missions across several UK Overseas Territories such as Anguilla, British Virgin Islands, Montserrat, Turks and Caicos Islands, Cayman Islands and St Helena itself. More recently they have also sent missions to Crown Dependencies including Jersey, Guernsey and Isle of Man. Since 2010 they have overseen Election Assessment Missions during multiple UK General Elections.
The mission is described as impartial and independent by organizers. CPA UK supports principles outlined in international declarations regarding fair elections.
For more information about CPA BIMR’s work or about this specific mission in St Helena visit https://www.uk-cpa.org/regions/british-islands-and-mediterranean-region/.