St Helena General Election: First Findings

Published 05 September 2025

CPA BIMR Election Observation Mission Team at The Castle, St Helena
(left to right: Stefan Szwed, Craig Whittaker, Deputy Chris Blin, Gary Clueit MLC,
Minister Leslie Bruzon, Elinor Souch, Maggie El Beleidi)

 

The first findings from the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association British Islands and Mediterranean Region (CPA BIMR) Election Observation Mission to St Helena have been published. 

The Preliminary Statement was published just two days after the General Election took place on Wednesday 03 September (2025).

Click here to access the full preliminary statement.

The Election Observation Mission was carried out at the invitation of the Deputy Speaker of St Helena's Legislative Council.

This is the second time St Helena's election has been observed by CPA BIMR Election Observation, although for the last election in 2021 it was carried out virtually due to Covid restrictions. 

An international team made up the Mission, led by Gary Clueit MLC from the Isle of Man Legislative Council as Head of Mission. The other members were:

  • Minister Leslie Bruzon from the Parliament of Gibraltar
  • Deputy Chris Blin from the States of Guernsey
  • Election analysts Stefan Szwed & Craig Whittaker
  • Two CPA BIMR staff members: Elinor Souch and Maggie El Beleidi

The electoral process was described as peaceful, orderly and conducted in a professional manner. It found that voters demonstrated civic responsibility, and polling staff did their very best to make election day as inclusive as possible. The Mission noted the professionalism of election officials.

Commenting on the initial findings, Head of Mission Gary Clueit MLC said:

"We're deeply appreciative of the warm and open reception our international team of observers received in St Helena. On Election Day, we observed a process that was transparent, well-organised and professionally managed. The commitment and professionalism of those involved in delivering the election were evident throughout the day. We hope our initial observations and forthcoming report will support the people of St Helena in continuing to strengthen democratic processes on the island."

The Final Report will be available in two months time.