The Commonwealth Observer Team says campaign finance rules must be a priority for the incoming Parliament and other stakeholders.

At a media briefing held today, the Team’s Chair, Evarist Bartolo, noted the limited regulatory framework that currently exists.

The Team also noted concerns about disproportionate coverage of the governing party by state media, and recommended legislation to enforce equitable access for all candidates and political parties.

Regarding the election itself, it commended polling officials for conducting their duties with “professionalism and transparency”, and says political polling party agents were also professional.

However, it did note longer than usual wait times at some special voting locations and urged continuous review to improve the process.

It also noted “some inconsistencies” in the administration of the counting process, but adds that polling officials followed closing and counting procedures in a transparent and professional manner.

The Team says its final report will provide recommendations on how the electoral process might be further improved.

Meanwhile, CARICOM’s Observer Team says the initial assessment is that voters were able to cast their ballots without intimidation or fear, and that the results of the poll reflect the will of the electorate.

It says team members visited 202 polling stations across 12 constituencies, including in Tobago, where they observed the polling activities including the opening of the polls, the voting process, the closing of the polls, and the counting of ballots.

It says based on the team’s observations, the pre-poll and opening procedures were followed.

It also noted that while polling stations were conveniently located and easily accessible, in some instances there were accessibility issues for persons with disabilities, and the elderly.

Overall however, it says that voting proceeded in a peaceful and orderly manner.