Senator to observe Caymanian elections

17 May 2013

Senator Philip Ozouf will travel to the Cayman Islands this weekend to participate in an election observer mission (EOM) organised by the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association’s (CPA) British Isles and Mediterranean Region (BIMR). At the invitation of the Caymanian Government, Senator Ozouf will remain for a week in the Islands (until 24 May 2013) alongside Members of Parliament from Scotland, Bermuda and Malta.

General elections will take place in the Cayman Islands on 22 May 2013. The CPA mission is being conducted in the run-up to and the days following the elections, in partnership with Electoral Reform International Services (ERIS), a not-for-profit organisation which provides support and advice on democratic processes around the world, along with the Association of Caribbean Electoral Organisations (ACEO).

The EOM will consist of a total of six observers. Three, including Senator Ozouf, will be from the British Islands and Mediterranean region of the CPA. These observers will be parliamentarians. The remainder of the mission will comprise of observers from the Caribbean and will be parliamentarians and senior election commissioners.

Senator Ozouf commented “I am pleased to have been invited to participate in this important event for the Cayman Islands. Jersey is strongly committed to its position in the Commonwealth and we are always ready to demonstrate that commitment by lending support to fellow Commonwealth countries. I anticipate a busy week ahead, which will be an interesting insight into the work of the CPA and sister organisations, as well as an opportunity to strengthen and develop relations with fellow BIMR Parliamentarians.”

Chairman of the Jersey branch of the CPA, Connétable Len Norman, added “The CPA is a valuable forum, of which Jersey is proud to be a part. I am particularly pleased that the Island has been selected to take part in this important aspect of the CPA’s work. There is great diversity within the Association, and yet there are still many issues that are common to us all. One such issue is our shared commitment to democracy.”