A team of independent and impartial international election observers have arrived in the Isle of Man ahead of next Thursday’s General Election.

The Election Observation Mission (EOM) is organised by the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association British Islands and Mediterranean Region (CPA BIMR).

Ten observers make up the party. They include four parliamentarians representing different parts of the Commonwealth.

They are: Head of Mission, Deputy Chris Blin from Guernsey; Hon. Josephine Connolly from Turks and Caicos Islands; Hon. Willin Belliard from Turks and Caicos Islands and Hon. Leslie Bruzon from Gibraltar.

There are also two international election analysts plus election coordinators from CPA BIMR.

In the run up to polling day, the observers will meet election officials, candidates and local groups to get an insight into the electoral process and Isle of Man’s specific context. If anyone wishes to share their experience of the election, they can contact the Mission by emailing [email protected]

The observers will assess the election against international standards, commitments and obligations as well as domestic laws.

On Friday, September 25, the day after polling, the mission will hold a press conference at the Barrool Suite in Legislative Building, Douglas.

A preliminary statement, which will contain the initial findings of the EOM will be available the week beginning September 28.

This will be followed by a more detailed final report which will be released later in the autumn.

Head of Mission, Deputy Chris Blin said: ‘The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association British Islands and Mediterranean Region is pleased to return to the island to observe the upcoming general election, building on our work in 2021 when we observed the last election.

‘Election observation is a vital part of strengthening democratic processes, and our mission will focus on assessing the election against established international standards.

‘We look forward to engaging with stakeholders across the island and supporting transparency, accountability, and public confidence in the electoral process.’