International election observers to oversee East Devon vote

It's clearly quite an election here in East Devon:
Futures Forum: General election hustings in East Devon
Futures Forum: Independents in the West Country

The constituency will be one of only eight in the UK to be observed by the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association:

East Devon the focus of international mission to ensure fair elections

By WMN_PGoodwin | Posted: May 22, 2017

Hugo Swire and Claire Wright are the frontrunners

An international mission to ensure elections and fair has chosen East Devon among eight UK constituencies to be monitored on June 8.

The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) has announced that the constituency will be one of its target seats for the general election.

Tory Sir Hugo Swire is bidding to retain the sea - one of the safest in the county - and see off a challenge from popular local independent candidate Claire Wright.

Ms Wright, who finished second in 2015, has been selected by a tactical voting website as the best option for non Tories to topple the long-serving former cabinet minister, the only independent to receive such an endorsement.

Read more: Who do the bookies think will be elected to Parliament in Devon?

An Election Assessment Mission (EAM) will be conducted in the area from June 4 to 9 by Phillip Paulwell, an MP from Jamaica who will lead a team of Observers from the Commonwealth.

The Mission, which is being arranged by the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association UK Branch (CPA UK) as it did in the 2015 and 2010 general elections, will also observe elections in seven other UK constituencies to oversee:
polling
counting
post-election complaints or appeals

The team will compromise of three parliamentarians and one election official from Tonga who will monitor Election Day procedures at polling stations, meet with candidates, returning officers, local officials, community groups and other relevant stakeholders in order to assess the conduct of the election.

Head of Mission Sebastian Pillay an MP from the Seychelles, said: "Exercising the right to vote is a fundamental part of democracy. CPA UK's Election Assessment Mission will seek to ensure the UK election process is legitimate and representative of the electorate. On behalf of the team, we look forward to engaging with the democratic process in the UK."

Chief Executive of CPA UK, Andrew Tuggey added: "This third UK Election Assessment Mission is a vital element of CPA UK's commitment to enhance openness and transparency in parliamentary democracy across the Commonwealth. Assessing elections upholds the core values of the Commonwealth.

The following will observe events in East Devon:
Phillip Paulwell CD MP (lead observer) – Jamaica
-Hon. Yvette D'ath MP – Australia
-Hon. Ichungw'ah Antony Kimani MP – Kenya
-Rt Hon. Lord Dalgety QC - Tonga

Return to Devon Live or read Hugo Swire blasted for decision to duck all hustings events


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