Results reflect the will of the people – Caricom Observer Mission

The eight-member CARICOM Election Observation Mission which at the invitation of the Government of St Vincent and the Grenadines monitored the December 9, 2015 Elections, visited 137 polling stations across 13 of the 15 established electoral districts. The Mission monitored the day’s activities by observing the Opening of the Poll, the Voting Process, the Closing of the Poll and Counting of ballots.{{more}}

Indications are that polling stations opened on time as voting started promptly at 7 a.m. in all the stations in which the opening was observed. All stations were fully staffed and most had at least two agents present representing the two major political parties. The polling stations for the most part were conveniently located and easily accessible to the electorate including the disabled. The Mission found that all of the supplies and materials needed were present in the required quantities.

Adequate security was in place at all locations, with the officers displaying a very professional approach, which contributed to the level of calm which accompanied the day’s activities. In the morning, the turn out of voters was steady, while a diminution was observed in the afternoon and the poll workers remained resolute and steadily carried out the required procedures ensuring that all electors who turned out were able to register their vote.

No major concerns were observed.

The Mission’s assessment of the day’s activities is that the voters were able to cast their ballots without intimidation or harassment and that the results of the elections reflect the will of the people of St Vincent and the Grenadines.

The Mission wishes to congratulate the staff of the Electoral Office, the Poll Workers, the Political Parties and their Candidates, the Security Forces and the People of St Vincent and the Grenadines for the mature way in which the elections were conducted with no reported incidents of violence, and the high level of discipline displayed throughout the process.

The Mission will prepare a full report for submission to the Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), HE Ambassador Irwin LaRocque, which will include recommendations and suggestions for strengthening the electoral process in St Vincent and the Grenadines.

Again the CARICOM Election Observation Mission wishes to thank the Leaders of the Political Parties, Civil Society, the Media and the People of St Vincent and the Grenadines for their warm welcome and cooperation which contributed to the success of the Mission.

GASPER JN BAPTISTE

CHIEF OF MISSION

CARICOM ELECTION OBSERVATION MISSION

10 DECEMBER 2015