Wickham: Mottley favoured to win snap Barbados election, but turnout a concern

Regional pollster and political analyst Peter Wickham says Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley is well placed to retain office after calling a snap general election, though low voter turnout could pose a challenge.

Ms Mottley announced on Saturday that elections will be held on 11 February, a year ahead of the end of her five-year term. It is the second early poll she has called.

Mr Wickham said the timing was not unexpected, noting there had been speculation for months that an election would be called early in the year.

He said the prevailing view in Barbados is that Ms Mottley will win another term, with little sense that the governing Barbados Labour Party is at risk of defeat.

However, he warned that voter apathy may be the main issue, pointing to low turnout at the last general election.

“The key concern is participation,” Mr Wickham said, adding that motivating voters to go to the polls would be the prime minister’s biggest challenge.

He suggested the early election was called because the government believes it has a political advantage, as the opposition has struggled to gain traction and unity.

Mr Wickham said the expectation remains that Ms Mottley will secure victory, with attention likely to focus on the size of her majority rather than the outcome itself.

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