ST. GEORGE’S, Grenada, CMC -The Parliamentary Elections Office (PEO) has postponed “until further notice” a series of consultations to inform voters about a proposed upgraded registration system ahead of the next general elections, constitutionally due by 2027.
“The Parliamentary Elections Office has unfortunately found it necessary to postpone its consultations on the Voter’s Registration Process until further notice,” the PEO stated, expressing “regret” for “any inconvenience caused”. This unexpected delay has left many voters and political observers in a state of uncertainty.
The statement did not explain postponing the consultations, which began on May 21 this year and was scheduled to end on June 11.
However, political observers note that the POE’s announcement comes two days after senior Public Officer Arthur Pierre officially began his tenure as the new Supervisor of Elections, replacing Elvis Morain, who was appointed to the post in 2019.
Pierre received his Instrument of appointment from Governor General Dame Cecile La Grenade on May 29, and no reason was provided for removing Morain, a permanent secretary in the Ministry of Education, from the POE position.
As per the Grenada Constitution, the Supervisor of Elections is a public officer appointed by the Head of State. Their duty is to exercise general supervision over the registration of voters in elections of the members of the House of Representatives and over the conduct of such elections. This role is crucial in ensuring the integrity and fairness of the electoral process.
The POE statement announcing Pierre’s appointment said that he is a qualified teacher who brings to the office a wealth of experience and has been a public officer for more than 30 years. He is currently the Deputy Disaster Coordinator at the National Disaster Management Agency (NaDMA) and has also served as a Presiding Officer with the POE for many years.
He assumed duties on June 2.