Media Center

Press Release

OAS SATISFIED WITH CONDUCT OF ELECTIONS IN ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES

The Organization of American States (OAS) Electoral Observation Mission has concluded that the December 7 general elections in St. Vincent and the Grenadines proceeded without major incidents or systemic irregularities.

Chief of Mission, Assistant Secretary General Albert R. Ramdin, stated in his preliminary (oral) report to the OAS Permanent Council today the Mission’s “satisfaction with the conduct of the elections.” He noted "some shortcomings in electoral procedures," but stressed that these "did not jeopardize the transparency and outcome of the elections.”

The Unity Labor Party (ULP) won re-election with 12 of the 15 parliamentary seats (with 56% of the popular vote), the remaining three seats going to the main opposition New Democratic Party (NDP). The newly formed Green Party, the only other contestant, won no seats.

The OAS observed all aspects of the voting process, including the opening of polling stations, voting throughout the day, the closing procedures at the polling stations, the preliminary vote count at the polling stations, and the transport of the results and the ballot boxes to returning officers of selected constituencies.

Among major observations during the December 4 to 9 presence on the ground, Ambassador Ramdin cited the political parties’ effort to ensure efficient and peaceful elections. The OAS election monitors also “frequently observed” cooperation among agents of different parties at the polling stations to ensure compliance with electoral procedures. The report also cited an active role by the news media, although print media are all weekly publications. Noteworthy in Ambassador Ramdin's report is the voter participation factor as well as the "positive role" of law enforcement in fostering a sense of security at polling stations. On Election Day, the OAS mission covered 95 (45%) of the total 225 polling stations.

While satisfied with the conduct of the elections and with how the authorities ensured adherence to the constitution, the Electoral Law and relevant regulations, the OAS Mission recommended the voter’s list be analyzed, streamlined and managed to “clarify the regulations relating to voter registration.” The OAS also suggested "systematic civic education for the citizenry” and enhanced training of electoral officers to ensure greater familiarity with voting procedures; and a strengthening of the electoral office for it to be more independent.

Ramdin thanked the governments of Brazil and the United States for their financial contributions that helped finance the OAS Electoral Observation Mission. He thanked the government and people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines as well for their collaboration and for facilitating the Mission’s work.

For his part, St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ Ambassador, Ellsworth John, thanked the OAS for the high-level observation mission, and highlighted the “well-known tradition for free and fair elections in my country.” He said it was also very important that, “in the interest of transparency, reputable and independent organizations or entities observed our electoral process.” He cited the satisfaction expressed by both the OAS and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) election observers, and thanked Brazil and the US for financially supporting the OAS election observation team.

In addressing the concern about the discrepancies between the voters' list and the population census, John asked for OAS assistance to correct “what we see as a problem.” He said OAS assistance is important, in order “for us to implement the first recommendation of the Mission.” He further explained that the census serves as a guide and includes nationals who reside overseas but who have lived in St. Vincent and the Grenadines in the last five years.

Ambassador Izben Williams of St. Kitts and Nevis chaired the Permanent Council meeting at which member state ambassadors congratulated the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines on the election and supported Ambassador John’s request for OAS technical assistance.

Reference: E-294/05