Media Center

Background

OAS CHIEF OF MISSION PRESENTS OFFICIAL REPORT ON GRENADA’S 2008 GENERAL ELECTIONS

The Chief of the Organization of American States (OAS) Electoral Observation Mission that monitored Grenada’s general elections of July 8, 2008, Assistant Secretary General Albert Ramdin, delivered the Mission’s eight-point report in Grenada on Monday, highlighting the need for an earlier and more accurate voter’s list.

Ambassador Ramdin presented the OAS mission’s official report to Grenada’s Prime Minister Tillman Thomas and Supervisor of Elections, Ms. Nadica McIntyre. Political party representatives and members of civil society were also present during the presentation of the hemispheric organization’s final report on the 2008 election.

Among other important recommendations in its final report, the OAS electoral observation mission suggested more financial and human resources to the election office to implement voter education initiatives; more collaboration between political parties; and efforts to help promote greater female participation in the political arena.

In presenting the report, Ambassador Ramdin congratulated the citizens of Grenada for conducting an electoral process that was generally peaceful and orderly. He also praised the citizen’s commitment to this democratic process by the high voter turn-out on Election Day.

Ramdin stressed that, “to help strengthen and improve Grenada’s electoral system, the OAS report also encourages a stronger civil society engagement as well as regulations governing campaign financing. This includes media access for each political party involved in the process.”

Prime Minister Thomas, responding to the Mission’s observations and recommendations, stated that the presentation of the report “demonstrates a critical role of free and fair elections”. The Prime Minister also highlighted the government’s commitment to good governance through legislation and that it will, therefore, aid in effectively implementing legislation to help the elections office in improving the areas identified in the report.

Mr. Thomas assured the OAS that the government would be implementing the recommendations contained in the report.

For her part, Supervisor of Elections Ms. McIntyre agreed there was an “urgent need for modernization and trained personnel.” She said her office looked forward to the challenge of continuing to improve Grenada’s electoral system.

In response to the request from the Government of Grenada and the Parliamentary Elections Office for electoral technical assistance, the OAS said it looked forward to collaborating with the Caribbean country in that regard.

Reference: REP-GRENAD