KINGSTOWN, St Vincent – The observer mission from the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) that observed the recent general election in this CARICOM member state, has declared that the process was free and fair.
At the invitation of Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves, the CARICOM Election Observation (CEOM) Mission, ahead of the election, met with stake holders and other civic groups virtually as part of the precautionary measures in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
They also met with representatives from the two main political parties.
In a statement on Sunday, the Chief of Mission, Anthonyson S. King, said the Mission’s assessment of the Election Day was that there were no incidents of intimidation of voters inside or outside of the voting precincts.
“The agents of the parties also testified that there were no irregularities and that the process was generally peaceful and orderly.”
Concerning health measures, he said the Mission observed that adequate health measures were in place to protect voters against the pandemic at the polling stations visited.
“All members of the CEOM agreed that the process was conducted according to law and was done without any intimidation or fear.”
“I therefore conclude that the Election was free and fair and free from fear and that the outcome presented the will of the people of St Vincent and the Grenadines. We congratulate the voters for the discipline displayed on Election Day and we wish to thank all the stake holders, including the leaders of the Political Parties, Civil Society and the Church for the warm welcome and cooperation which contributed to the success of the mission,” King said.
Meanwhile, CEOM, will this week, observer the conduct of the General Election to be held in Belize.
A seven member CARICOM Mission comprising observers from Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, and Suriname has been mounted to observe the General Election, to be held on Monday.
The Core Group, which includes the Chief of Mission, arrived in Belize on Friday and the remaining members arrived on Saturday.
The Members of the Observation Mission are scheduled to depart on November 13. (CMC)
