Prime Minister Dr Keith Mitchell has been meeting with members of 2 visiting observer missions which arrived in the country this week ahead of Tuesday’s General Election.
The 2 missions, representing CARICOM and the Organisation of American States (OAS), have been meeting with various groups including the ruling New National Party (NNP), the main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the Grenada National Organisation for Women (GNOW).
The CARICOM and OAS missions have also been visiting police stations to observe the police voting occurring on Friday, 9 March.
Prime Minister Mitchell told members of both missions that he was hoping that they would come a little earlier to observe more than just the day or the couple days before.
Dr Mitchell told the observer missions that he will continue to advocate for early visits since he is aware that election day observation is not ideal.
“We look forward to your analysis of what is taking place,” Dr Mitchell told the OAS and CARICOM Observer missions.
The full complement of the CARICOM team is expected to be in place by Saturday.
Paulin Welsh, head of CARICOM Observer Mission said, like the Prime Minister, she recognises that election is a process, not just one day, but that CARICOM has its limitations. “The primary objective is to look at what is happening on the day itself but to also meet with various stakeholders, to gather information,” said Welsh.
A report will be compiled and transmitted to CARICOM sometime in April, said Welsh.
On 14 March, there will be a preliminary statement of the findings.
GIS
