Preliminary statement CEOM to the general elections in Grenada

The Prime Minister of Grenada by way of letter dated 27 May 2022 invited the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) to mount an Election Observation Mission (CEOM) to Grenada to observe the conduct of the general elections scheduled to be held on 23 June 2022 (Election Day). As a result, a nine-member CEOM team was mounted comprised of election experts from various CARICOM territories.  Members of the CEOM arrived in Grenada during the period of 17th to 21st June, 2022.  

The members of the CEOM are as follows:

Antigua and Barbuda:        Mr. John Jarvis (Chief of Mission)

The Bahamas:                   Mr. Lavado Duncanson

Barbados:                         Mr. Corey Greenidge

Guyana:                            Mr. Sase Gunraj

Jamaica:                           Ms. Llofraun Thompson

Haiti:                                Mr. Vijonet Demero

Saint Lucia:                      Ms. Christine Alexander

Suriname:                         Mr. Cecil Valies

Trinidad and Tobago         Ms. Pamela Ogiste
                
The CEOM was supported by two members of staff from the Directorate for Foreign and Community Relations of the CARICOM Secretariat.

Pre-Election Observations and Advanced Poll

The CEOM met with various stakeholders including: Dr. The Right Honourable Keith Mitchell, in his capacity as the leader of the New National Party (NNP); senior members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC); Commissioner Edvin Martin, Commissioner of the Royal Grenada Police Force; and Permanent Secretary Elvis Moraine, Head of the Parliamentary Elections Office of Grenada. The team also met with other political stakeholders and representatives of civil society in the lead up to Election Day.

On Monday, 20 June 2022, the Chief of Mission and members of the CEOM observed the Advanced Poll at several polling stations around Grenada, including the opening of the poll at 6:00 a.m. and the voting process throughout the day. Poll workers for the Advance Poll were extremely cooperative, well-informed and diligent in the exercise of their duties. 

Election Day Observations

The election was conducted in an atmosphere of peace and composure in accordance with the legislative framework of the country. There was an overwhelming response at the opening of the polls, as well as a constant flow of voting throughout the day. 

The CEOM despatched four (4) teams of observers across the country, in twelve (12) of the fifteen (15) constituencies, including a two-member team sent to the constituency of Carriacou and Petite Martinique. It was witnessed that different approaches were employed to the voting process and the counting of the ballots. However, these remained in compliance with the overarching guidelines for the electoral process.

The spirit of inclusivity was a welcomed highlight of the process. Commendable features were the presence of ramps at several polling stations and the fact that the majority of stations visited were located at the ground level to facilitate the movement of differently-abled persons. 

The CEOM valued the opportunity to contribute to the democratic process in Grenada and appreciated the support and cooperation received throughout. We congratulate the voters, electoral officials and all Election Day workers in their various roles for their discipline and commitment to advance the democratic process in Grenada.   

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