CARICOM sends observer mission to St. Vincent and the Grenadines

KINGSTOWN, St. Vincent, Nov 22, CMC – A 10-member Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Election Observer Mission (CEOM) has arrived here to observe the November 27 general elections

“The CARICOM Election Observation Mission values this opportunity to support the democratic process in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The Mission expresses its appreciation for the warm welcome and cooperation received since its arrival and extends its best wishes to the electorate as they prepare to go to the polls,” said Sase R. Gunraj, the chief of the Mission. He said that the mission was deployed in response to an invitation extended by the St. Vincent and the Grenadines government and will remain on the island until November 29.

The Mission comprises senior electoral and other officials from seven CARICOM member states, as well as three members of the Guyana-based CARICOM Secretariat, who will provide administrative and logistical support. Gunraj, who is the Commissioner with the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), said since their arrival, members of the Mission have met with Daniel Cummings, Chairman of the main opposition New Democratic Party (NDP), as well as Dr. Doris Frederick, Leader of the National Liberation Movement (NLM).

“We have also met with representatives of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Teachers’ Union, the Voice of the Disabled, and the media,” he said, adding that in the coming days, the CEOM is scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves, whose Unity Labour Party (ULP) is seeking an unprecedented sixth consecutive term in office. The mission will also meet with the Supervisor of Elections, Dora James and Police Commissioner Enville Williams.

“The team will also engage with other political actors and civil society institutions. These engagements are expected to provide the CEOM with a first-hand account of the pre-election atmosphere and assess the level of preparedness for the holding of the elections,” Gunraj said, adding that the role of the CEOM Observers on Election Day is to observe the electoral process, including preparations for the start of the poll, the casting of votes, the closure of the polling stations, the counting of the ballots, and the declaration of results.

The CEOM will also assess the immediate post-election atmosphere, he said, adding that a preliminary statement will be issued, outlining the Mission’s initial assessment of the electoral process.