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PRESS RELEASE: Commission Confirms Readiness for 2025 Parliamentary Elections
The Elections & Boundaries Commission (the Commission) confirms its readiness for the Parliamentary Elections scheduled for tomorrow, Monday, April 28, 2025. Following extensive planning, rigorous training, and collaboration with stakeholders to execute what is perhaps the single most logistically complex exercise a country can undertake, the Commission has carried out the following:
- Voter Education: Through a series of nationwide outreach initiatives, the Commission has informed citizens about the voting process, polling locations, voters’ rights, electoral regulations, and potential electoral offences. Comprehensive campaigns have been conducted across social media platforms, radio, television, and print media to engage and educate the public.
- Polling Station Readiness: All 2316 polling stations have been established and are equipped with the necessary staffing, materials and supplies. Inspections have been conducted to ensure that each location meets high standards of accessibility, functionality, and safety.
- Staff Training: Over 13,000 Election officials and polling day staff have received training to equip them with the skills needed to assist voters and administer the voting process efficiently. Training included voting procedures, conflict resolution strategies, and the implementation of health and safety protocols.
- Security Measures: Under the stewardship of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service, the Commission has collaborated with the police to ensure that robust security arrangements have been instituted to safeguard voters, election personnel, and the integrity of the electoral process.
“Our team has worked diligently to ensure that every eligible voter can exercise their right to vote safely and confidently as they participate in this vital democratic exercise,” stated Ms. Fern Narcis-Scope, Chief Election Officer.
All voters are encouraged to plan ahead and allocate sufficient time to cast their ballots between the official polling hours of 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. On Poll Day, the Commission also encourages its stakeholders to call its Hot Lines at 785-8206 or 785-8211 or the Communications Unit at 625-5924 should any urgent information be required.
EBC Press Release – Commission Confirms Readiness for 2025 Parliamentary Elections
April 27, 2025
Press Release – The Commission fosters Meaningful Dialogue with Diplomatic Corps
In a significant demonstration of its commitment to transparency, integrity, and stakeholder engagement, the Elections and Boundaries Commission (the Commission) hosted a meeting with members of the Diplomatic Corps on Friday, April 25, 2025, at its Central Electoral Office in Port of Spain.
The meeting was attended by distinguished representatives of the international community, including:
• Ms. Evelina Melbarzde, Deputy European Union Head of Mission
• His Excellency Dr. Pradeep Singh Rajpurohit, High Commissioner of India
• Her Excellency Sonya Koppe, High Commissioner of Australia
• His Excellency Diomedes Carles, Ambassador of Panama
• His Excellency Dr. Seijoong Kwon, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea
• Her Excellency Natalie Campbell-Rodriques, High Commissioner of Jamaica
• Mr. Vonroy Rochester, Counsellor, Jamaican High Commission
The Commission welcomed the opportunity to engage with these esteemed diplomats in a spirit of mutual respect and cooperation. The discussions were constructive and informative, reflecting a shared commitment to supporting free, fair, and credible electoral processes.
Key topics included the Commission’s preparations for the upcoming General Election, with a particular focus on voter education initiatives, the recruitment and training of Returning Officers and Polling Day Staff, and the selection of accessible polling venues. The Heads of Mission were also briefed on special voting arrangements, procedures for the secure counting of ballots, and protocols to ensure the timely and accurate announcement of results.
The session served to reaffirm transparency and sustain collaboration with international partners. All parties expressed their commitment to maintaining open channels of communication and ongoing cooperation in the lead-up to Election Day, scheduled for Monday, April 28, 2025.
The Commission remains steadfast in its dedication to upholding the democratic values and principles that underpin the electoral process.
EBC Press Release – The Commission fosters Meaningful Dialogue with Diplomatic Corps
April 25, 2025
PRESS RELEASE – EBC Addresses Circulation of False Allegations
The Elections and Boundaries Commission (the Commission) has been made aware of a falsified document currently in circulation that inaccurately claims affiliations between the Commission’s Chief Election Officer (CEO) and several Returning Officers with a political party. These unfounded assertions seriously misrepresent the truth and pose a direct threat to the integrity of the electoral process and the forthcoming Parliamentary Elections scheduled for Monday, April 28, 2025.
The Commission categorically rejects and unequivocally condemns these baseless claims. We reaffirm that both the CEO and all Returning Officers remain fully committed to the principles of impartiality, professionalism, and the democratic values that are the foundation of our institution.
The deliberate dissemination of misinformation of this nature is deeply concerning as it undermines public confidence and risks eroding the democratic fabric we are entrusted to protect. Consequently, this matter has been formally referred to the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service for a thorough investigation.
We respectfully urge all citizens to exercise discernment by relying solely on credible and verified sources for information. It is essential to disregard unsubstantiated or misleading content as we collectively strive to preserve the integrity of the electoral process.
As always, the Commission remains resolute in its duty to uphold transparency, fairness, and public trust. We are grateful for the continued confidence of our stakeholders and the public, and we remain committed to addressing this matter with the seriousness it demands.
EBC Press Release – EBC Addresses Circulation of False Allegations
April 23, 2025
Press Release – Commission meets CARICOM Election Observer Team
In a significant step toward promoting transparency and reinforcing public confidence in the electoral
process, the CARICOM Election Observer Team convened a meeting with the Elections and Boundaries
Commission (the Commission) on Tuesday, April 22, 2025. The Commission is of the view that the meeting,
held at the Courtyard by Marriott Hotel in Port of Spain, was constructive, fostering mutual understanding
and reinforcing a shared commitment to transparent and credible electoral processes. The dialogue was
marked by openness, collaboration, and a shared goal of ensuring free, fair, and peaceful elections.
Discussions were mainly focused on the Commission’s comprehensive preparations for the upcoming
elections, including initiatives in voter education, the training and selection criteria for Returning Officers and
Polling Day Staff, and the identification of accessible venues for polling stations. Special voting procedures,
as well as protocols for the counting of votes and the timely announcement of results, were also reviewed.
Additionally, the Observer Team was apprised of the Commission’s positions regarding matters currently and
previously raised in the public domain. They reiterated their role was to observe and learn.
At the conclusion of the meeting, both parties reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining open lines of
communication and ongoing cooperation as the nation prepares for Election Day on Monday, April 28, 2025.
EBC Press Release – Commission meets CARICOM Election Observer Team
April 22, 2025
Press Release – EBC Special Voting has commenced
The Elections and Boundaries Commission (the Commission) is pleased to announce that its Special Voting has successfully begun earlier today. The initial proceedings were relatively smooth.
The establishment of Special Polling Stations, in keeping with special voting requirements, is an integral part of the Commission’s responsibility to conduct elections and will continue over the coming days. Designated Special Electors are reminded that they must actively engage in the process and are encouraged to collect their designated special envelopes promptly. This ensures proper participation and alignment with the special voting timeline, which is scheduled to end on Sunday 27th April 2025.
16,748 Special Electors are expected to cast their votes in the upcoming days. Over 1400 individuals exercised their right to vote in today’s proceedings. The highest special voter turnout recorded today was in the Aranguez / St. Joseph Constituency, where special voters continued to wait within the Polling Station precinct beyond 3:00 p.m. to vote.
Special Electors are reminded that their voting procedure differs from the standard process and may require additional time. As a result, longer-than-usual wait times were observed today at some locations. The Commission appreciates the patience and cooperation of all participants as we facilitate an effective and efficient electoral process.
April 21, 2025