Election observer group ‘Citizens Action for Free and Fair Elections’ (CAFFE) has expressed concern that some of its observers were barred from witnessing the counting of ballots at several polling stations after voting ended in yesterday’s Local Government Election.

CAFFE chair Grace Baston says the position taken by some electoral office officials does not bode well for the transparent process of free and fair elections.

Yesterday, the association deployed over 300 observers to polling stations in all parishes.

Mrs. Baston says due to restrictions by election officials, observers did not monitor the final counting exercise at 11% of polling stations.

But, despite the barring of some observers, Mrs. Baston says from what officials saw, CAFFE believes the election was conducted fairly.