Bridgetown, Barbados — Ralph Thorne urges Mottley to delay Feb 11 general election as Democratic Labour Party leader Ralph Thorne calls on Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley to postpone the scheduled vote, warning that he is prepared to take the matter to court if the election proceeds as planned.
The leader of the Democratic Labour Party said his request is driven by unresolved issues surrounding the voters’ list, which he claims could prevent eligible citizens from casting ballots through no fault of their own. Thorne argued that the integrity of the February 11 general election is at risk if those concerns are not addressed before polling day.
The February 11 poll was formally announced earlier this year, setting the timeline for the election now being challenged, with the Barbados election set for Feb. 11, 2026.
Speaking publicly, Thorne maintained that the problems identified were the responsibility of the government and electoral authorities and should be corrected prior to the election. He said proceeding without resolving the matter could disenfranchise voters and undermine confidence in the democratic process.
Thorne indicated that legal options remain on the table should the prime minister decline to delay the vote. He did not specify a timeline for filing a court application, nor did he outline the precise legal grounds that would be pursued, but said his party is prepared to act if necessary.
The government has not yet issued a response to Thorne’s call. No official statement has been released confirming whether any irregularities have been identified in the voters’ list or whether corrective measures are underway.
Barbados is scheduled to head to the polls on February 11, with political parties in the final stages of campaigning. Election officials have not announced any changes to the timetable, and it remains unclear whether a postponement is being considered.
Authorities have also not confirmed how many voters may be affected by the issues raised or whether additional verification or revision exercises are planned ahead of election day. Further updates are expected as the situation develops.
