The Organization of American States will deploy an Electoral Observation Mission to Antigua and Barbuda for the April 30 general election, sending a 17-member team from 11 countries led by former OAS official Maricarmen Plata.

It will be the fifth OAS mission to the country, funded by Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Peru, Korea and the United States.

The team will assess electoral organisation, technology, justice, campaign finance and women’s political participation. In the lead-up to the vote, observers will meet with local stakeholders, then monitor polling stations on election day from opening through vote counting and results transmission.

A preliminary report with recommendations is expected after the election.

The mission arrives as the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party, the United Progressive Party and independent candidates enter the final phase of campaigning.