THE Commonwealth Parliamentary Association British Islands and Mediterranean Region (CPA-BIMR) Election Observation Mission (pictured) has published its preliminary statement following observation of the 2025 Falkland Islands General Election.
The Mission was invited to observe the election and assessed the process in Stanley and Camp, including pre-election preparations, polling day and the count.
Observers were largely complimentary about the process – they said it was conducted in a peaceful environment, with election officials observed to act impartially. Administrative arrangements at polling stations were described as effective.
Voter participation
The preliminary statement identified voter participation as a notable feature of the election, with turnout approximately 81 percent in Stanley and 90 percent in Camp.
The statement said the turnout figures compared favourably with those recorded in many established democracies.
They also noted the availability of different voting arrangements, including postal voting, proxy voting and the use of mobile ballot boxes for voters unable to attend polling stations in person.
Election day procedures were observed by the Mission, with polling stations reported to be orderly and polling staff described as professional.
Counting process
The CPA-BIMR Mission observed the counting process and stated that it was conducted transparently and efficiently. According to the preliminary statement, no significant complaints were raised during the count.
Legal framework
In its review of the legal framework, the Mission noted that the election was conducted under the Falkland Islands Constitution and the Electoral Ordinance, supported by related legislation.
The preliminary statement said this framework provided a sound basis for democratic elections, while also noting that some provisions may benefit from review.
Campaign period
The Mission reported on the campaign period, stating that candidates relied primarily on direct engagement with voters, public meetings, manifestos and online communication. The preliminary statement did not record any observations of campaign rule violations.
Media coverage
According to the statement, despite the limited number of media outlets and partial reliance on public funding, the mission found that coverage was impartial.
It also noted that all political viewpoints were represented fairly and in some instances, media outlets facilitated debates between candidates.
Women candidates
The preliminary statement noted that women enjoy equal legal rights to stand for election in the Falkland Islands. However, the Mission recorded that only three of the 19 candidates in the 2025 General Election were women, with two women elected.
The statement said that the low number of women candidates suggests that factors beyond legal equality may influence participation.
These include socio-cultural barriers, the nature of political life and the absence of targeted support mechanisms such as mentorship or gender-sensitive policies.
Right to stand for election
The CPA-BIMR Mission also examined eligibility requirements for standing for election. According to the statement, candidates must be at least 18 years old, registered to vote and meet constitutional requirements, including UK citizenship and residency.
The statement highlighted disqualification provisions, including those relating to mental incapacity and acknowledgement of allegiance to a foreign power. The mission noted that some of these restrictions may conflict with international standards for democratic elections and could benefit from review.
Accessibility and inclusion
Accessibility for voters with disabilities was addressed in the preliminary statement. The mission noted that while there are no obvious barriers to participation, independent participation and vote secrecy are not always assured.
According to the statement, the lack of sign language interpreters and assistive technologies may hinder participation for voters with hearing or visual impairments. The availability of mobile ballot boxes was identified as a measure that enabled some voters facing barriers to participate.
Migrant candidates
The Mission also recorded feedback that members of larger migrant communities may be hesitant to stand for office, despite being eligible.
Next steps
The CPA-BIMR Election Observation Mission stated that a full report, including any recommendations, will be published within three months of the election.
