by Roxanne Thompson

• Observers visited approximately 98% of polling on mainland Grenada and Carriacou
• Voting described as peaceful and orderly; no significant incidents observed
• A final report, including recommendations, expected in coming weeks

The Caribbean Community’s (Caricom) Election Observation Mission (CEOM) reported that Grenada’s 5 November general election was conducted peacefully and orderly, with no significant incidents observed during polling.

Presenting the mission’s interim findings at a closing media briefing on Friday, 6 November, Chief of Mission Herman St Helen said observers visited 282 polling stations across mainland Grenada and Carriacou, covering all 15 constituencies. The team estimated that it visited approximately 98% of polling stations on the two islands.

The mission arrived in Grenada between 29 October and 1 November and held consultations with National Democratic Congress (NDC) chairperson Grace Thomas and her team; New National Party (NNP) leader Emmalin Pierre and her team; Democratic People’s Movement (DPM) leader Peter David; People’s National Party (PNP) leader Jonathan Lacrette — the party’s sole candidate in the election; Police Commissioner Randy Connaught and members of his high command; Grenada Media Workers Association Chairperson Calistra Farrier; political analysts and social commentators Jennifer Simon and Kem Jones; the Independent Caucus for Constitutional Reform; the Grenada Chamber of Industry and Commerce; the Grenada Trade Union Congress; the Grenada National Council for Disabled; the Grenada Integrity Commission; and other observer groups. The team also met Supervisor of Elections Arthur Pierre and his management team to understand the general atmosphere and level of preparedness for the elections.

St Helen said observers found that polling stations generally opened on time at 6 am, with adequate police presence, polling staff and election supplies in place. At most polling divisions, agents representing at least 2 political parties were present. He also reported that polling staff appeared adequately trained and courteous, and assisted elderly voters and persons with disabilities. Voter turnout was steady at several polling stations during the morning and towards the close of polling, although activity was slow throughout much of the day.

The mission also observed the closing of polling stations at 5 pm and the subsequent counting of ballots, including sealing ballot boxes and transporting them to holding stations. St Helen commended the Supervisor of Elections and his department, polling staff, police officers, political parties and their agents, and voters for their conduct throughout the process. The mission also observed the advance poll on 2 November, which gave police officers an opportunity to vote ahead of election day, and reported no significant issues during that exercise.

Asked by a Government Information Service reporter whether he could identify some of the recommendations expected in the final report, St Helen said he could not disclose them because the mission’s team had not yet discussed them. He confirmed, however, that recommendations would address several observations made during the exercise. The final report will be submitted to the Caricom Secretary-General in the coming weeks. The interim statement does not constitute the mission’s final assessment of the election.

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