The government has ’welcomed’ the final report of the general election observation results and will set up an electoral commission to provide further recommendations.

This mission was conducted by the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) British Islands and Mediterranean Region who observed preparations for the general election and attended polling stations and count venues across the island’s 12 constituencies on polling day.

Evidence was also gathered from a range of interested parties, including deputy returning officers, candidates, voters and election officials.

Government is already carrying out its own analysis of this year’s general election, which was the first to be conducted under modernised legislation.

The report said: ’Overall, the mission found that the Isle of Man’s electoral framework was conducive to holding democratic elections, in line with international standards.’

It also noted the successful introduction of innovative practices and highlighted areas for further improvement, particularly the accessibility at polling stations.

The findings, together with recommendations in its final report, ’will be taken into account’ as part of a post-election review which will include seeking feedback from candidates and those involved in the election process, according to the government.

Minister for the Cabinet Office Kate Lord-Brennan said: ’The government welcomes the report from the Commmonwealth Parliamentary Association and is pleased with the positive overall tone of the report.

’The report describes the election as "orderly, efficient and innovative", something our community can rightly be proud of.

’There are a number of recommendations which will be reviewed, some of which are already being actively looked at by the elections team at the Cabinet Office. This is an opportunity for us to improve further.

’I would like to place on record my thanks to all those who played a role in the election process and made it a success.’

In early 2022 an Isle of Man Electoral Commission will also be appointed for the first time to look at constituency boundaries and other election issues as directed by Tynwald.

Ms Lord-Brennan added: ’An electoral commission will be set up and the commission will submit a report to Tynwald providing further recommendations with the aim of further strengthening the Isle of Man’s democratic process.’

One of the main take aways from the international election observers report was the criticism levelled at polling station accessibility in the island.

In their preliminary report published in the days after the election, they stated that access for persons with disabilities to the political process was ’feasible but difficult.’

They also found that half of all polling stations observed were not independently accessible to voters with mobility issues because of a lack of an adequate step-free access.

In the final report it said: ’In order to fully comply with the Equality Act, the electoral processes should be fully accessible to persons with disabilities.’