A 11-member Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Election Observation Mission has described Grenada’s November 5 general elections as peaceful and orderly, reporting no significant incidents and commending election officials, security personnel, political parties and voters for their conduct.
In its preliminary statement issued on November 6, the mission said electors were able to exercise their right to vote without significant disruption and that polling staff generally followed established procedures.
The mission was deployed at the invitation of the Government of Grenada and comprised electoral experts from eight CARICOM member states: Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, The Bahamas, Belize, Guyana, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Three CARICOM Secretariat officials provided administrative and logistical support.
Led by Chief of Mission Herman St. Helen, the team consulted political parties, the police, media representatives, business and labour organisations, civil society groups and the Supervisor of Elections before polling day. It also observed the November 2 advance poll for members of the Royal Grenada Police Force, reporting no significant issues.
Observers visited all 282 polling stations
On Election Day, observation teams were deployed across mainland Grenada and Carriacou, visiting all 282 polling stations in the country’s 15 constituencies.
The mission reported that polling stations generally opened on time at 6:00 a.m., with election workers and materials in place and an adequate police presence. Political party agents were present in most polling divisions, and voters were able to cast their ballots in a peaceful and orderly environment.
Observers also noted that most polling locations displayed lists of electors, while polling station marshals assisted voters with verifying their names and locating their assigned divisions.
Polling staff appeared adequately trained and conducted themselves professionally, providing assistance to elderly voters and persons with disabilities and explaining voting procedures impartially.
Voter activity was steady during the morning and towards the close of polling, although generally slower during the intervening hours.
Counting process described as orderly
Polls closed at 5:00 p.m. At most stations observed, no voters were waiting in line, while those still queued at other locations were permitted to vote in accordance with established procedures.
The mission also monitored ballot counting, the sealing of ballot boxes and arrangements for transporting them to designated holding stations.
It said ballots were counted in the presence of polling agents, electors and observers, with stakeholders given the opportunity to follow the proceedings. The counting process was described as orderly and consistent with established procedures.
In its overall assessment, the mission commended the polling workers for their professionalism and the Royal Grenada Police Force for maintaining law and order.
It also congratulated Supervisor of Elections Arthur Pierre and the staff of the Grenada Parliamentary Elections Office, while recognising the conduct of political parties, polling agents, supporters and voters.
The preliminary statement, signed by St. Helen in St. George’s on November 6, represents the mission’s initial assessment. CARICOM said a comprehensive final report, containing detailed findings and recommendations, will be submitted to its Secretary-General in the coming weeks.
The regional organisation reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Grenada’s democratic development and its pursuit of a peaceful and prosperous future.
