Tynwald has been represented on an election observation mission to the Falkland Islands. Rob Callister MHK was one of three parliamentarians to serve as a member of the Election Observation Mission to the Falkland Islands to observe the UK Overseas Territory’s General Election on December 11, 2025.

(Pictured: Rob Callister MHK, third left, with Vasil Vashchanka, Elinor Souch, Hon Akierra Missick, Stefan Szwed, Alun Davies MS, and Magdalene El Beleidi)

The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) British Islands and Mediterranean Region (BIMR) election observation mission was carried out at the invitation of the Governor of the Falkland Islands, His Excellency Colin Martin-Reynolds CMG and was the first time that CPA BIMR had observed an election in the Falkland Islands. The electoral process has been described by Head of Mission Alun Davies MS from the Welsh Parliament as ‘conducted with transparency, strong organisation and a high level of professionalism.’

Mr Callister was joined by Hon Akierra Missick from the Parliament of Turks and Caicos, electoral analysts Stefan Szwed and Vasil Vashchanka, and CPA BIMR staff members Elinor Souch and Magdalene El Beleidi.

Mr Callister, (pictured left, working during the mission on election day) who was assigned to Port Stanley for election day, said: ‘Political members bring an element of experience and understanding to election observation missions, having gone through the election process many times.

‘These missions serve several functions, but their primary purpose is to strengthen democratic integrity and assess whether elections meet international standards. Observation missions also boost public confidence through impartial analysis, enhancing transparency and trust in the electoral process among voters and stakeholders.

‘Observers monitor all stages of the election from the legal framework and voter registration to campaign conduct, polling day, vote counting, and result tabulation. The mission also engages with electoral officials, political candidates, community representatives, and civil society groups to gain context and assess procedural integrity.

‘On a personal note, having grown up with vivid memories of watching the Falklands war unfold on BBC News in 1982, it was an absolute privilege to visit a place I never imagined I would see in my lifetime.

‘Falkland Islands holds a general election every four years. I was originally scheduled to travel there in November, but the election was rescheduled for Thursday, 11th December, with mobile voting taking place on 10th December 2025.

‘One thing I didn’t fully appreciate was the sheer size of the Falkland Islands - about 20 times larger than the Isle of Man. Most residents live in and around Port Stanley, meaning the remaining population is spread across the two main islands, East and West Falkland. Visiting the memorial sites was extremely moving, especially knowing that many young Isle of Man residents fought in that conflict 43 years ago.’

Reflecting on the mission experience Mr Callister said: ‘On election day I enjoyed being out and about with the mobile voting team because it gave me an opportunity to speak to so many Falkland Islanders after they had voted. The Isle of Man could certainly learn a lot from how the Falkland Islands government brings the voting process into the community, ensuring everyone has a fair opportunity to cast their vote - especially older residents and those with disabilities or in hospital.

‘Serving as an election observer you gain a real insight into how other political systems around the Commonwealth work, along with a better working knowledge of their election processes. This was the first election observation mission I’d been invited to attend by the CPA, and I genuinely enjoyed the whole process from start to finish.’

The final report by the CPA observation team will be published within three months.

All expenses were covered by the Falkland Islands, CPA UK and Mr Callister personally.

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For further information contact:

Joann Corkish
Deputy Clerk of Tynwald
Legislative Buildings
Douglas
IM1 3PW
Tel: 01624 685500
j.corkish@tynwald.org.im