Elections were “free and fair”
The Organization of American States, and the CARICOM election observation mission gave their approval of last Thursday’s general elections in Jamaica.
The OAS, headed by former attorney general and minister of foreign affairs of The Bahamas, Janet Bostwick, comprised of 23 international observers from 17 countries and visited 367 polling stations, reported positive electoral practices. Meanwhile, the 11-member CARICOM mission led by Josephine Tamai, chief elections officer of Belize, deployed five teams in several constituencies.
“We believe it was free and fair…it was credible… the mission’s general assessment of the day’s activities is that the voters were able to cast their ballots without intimidation or harassment,” said Tamai.
“Adequate security was in place at all locations with the officers displaying a very professional approach which contributed to the level of calm which accompanied the day’s activities,” said Tamal.
“The mission’s general assessment of the day’s activities is that the voters were able to cast their ballots without intimidation or harassment, and that the results of the general election of 25 February reflected the will of the people of Jamaica and reinforced their commitment to the democratic process.”
She was speaking at a press conference held at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in New Kingston on Friday to present the mission’s assessment of the election held on Thursday.
