Departamento para la Cooperación y Observación Electoral (DECO)


Electoral Observation Mission - General Elections, Grenada July 8th. 2008


Highlights


For the General Elections in Grenada of July 8, 2008, the Organization of American States deployed an Election Observation Mission of 38 persons, who observed voting in all the 15 constituencies of Grenada, Carriacou and Petit Martinique. Observers visited 100 percent of polling sites in the country at least once in the course of election day and in many cases returned two or three times to check on progress. The observers witnessed voting firsthand and interviewed presiding officers, poll clerks, party agents, police officers and members of the public regarding the preparations for and the conduct of the elections. Everywhere our observers were struck by the courteous and helpful reception they were given and by the high standard of civility displayed by Grenadians in exercising their democratic rights. Voter turnout in this election was very high, demonstrating a commitment to democratic participation that reflects well on the Grenadian people.

Our overall impressions of the electoral process in Grenada were extremely positive. In all the cases we observed, presiding officers, poll clerks and party agents were present at their assigned sites and followed procedures carefully in accordance with Election Laws. Two party agents were typically present at each polling station and worked together harmoniously with one another and with the electoral authorities. Sufficient electoral materials were available and the necessary information for voters was made visible at the polling sites. 98% of polls opened promptly at 6 a.m. and, by 6:30 a.m., all were fully functional.

 

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