CARICOM deploys 11-member election observation mission to Grenada
Key Points(5)
- The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has deployed an 11-member election observation mission to Grenada ahead of the country's Nov.
- The CARICOM Election Observation Mission (CEOM) was established following an invitation from the Grenadian government dated Oct.
- It comprises senior electoral officials from eight CARICOM member states and three members of the CARICOM Secretariat, who will provide administrative and logistical support.
- The mission is headed by Herman St.
- Helen, chief elections officer of the Saint Lucia Electoral Department.
The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has deployed an 11-member election observation mission to Grenada ahead of the country's Nov. 5 general election.
The CARICOM Election Observation Mission (CEOM) was established following an invitation from the Grenadian government dated Oct. 5. It comprises senior electoral officials from eight CARICOM member states and three members of the CARICOM Secretariat, who will provide administrative and logistical support.
The mission is headed by Herman St. Helen, chief elections officer of the Saint Lucia Electoral Department. Sase Gunraj, commissioner of the Guyana Elections Commission, will serve as deputy chief of mission.
Other members include representatives from Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Jamaica, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
The mission's core group arrived in Grenada on Oct. 29 and 30, while the remaining members are expected to arrive on Nov. 1. The team is scheduled to depart between Nov. 6 and 7.
During its deployment, the mission will assess the pre-election environment, the conduct of voting on Election Day and the immediate post-election period, including the response to the election results.
As part of its preliminary engagements, the team has met with Gloria Thomas, chairperson of the National Democratic Congress (NDC); Emmalin Pierre, leader of the New National Party (NNP); Police Commissioner Randy Connaught and his commanding officers; Calistra Farrier, chairperson of the Media Workers Association of Grenada; Peter David, leader of the Democratic People's Movement (DPM); and political and social analyst Kem Jones.
The mission also plans to meet with Supervisor of Elections Arthur Pierre, Progressive Labour Party (PLP) leader Jonathan La Crette, representatives of other international election observation missions, the Council for the Disabled, political analyst Jennifer Simon, the Grenada Chamber of Commerce and the Grenada Trades' Union Council.
On Nov. 5, observers will monitor preparations for the opening of polling stations, the casting of ballots, the closure of polls, the counting process and the declaration of results. They will also assess the immediate post-election atmosphere.
CARICOM said the mission will issue a preliminary statement on Nov. 6 outlining its initial assessment of the electoral process. A comprehensive final report, including findings and recommendations, will subsequently be submitted to CARICOM Secretary-General Carla Barnett before being made public.
The mission said it welcomed the opportunity to support Grenada's democratic process and expressed appreciation for the cooperation it had received since arriving in the country.
