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.

The environment in which citizens voted was orderly and peaceful. There were no reported instances of unruly behaviour or of intimidation of voters at polling sites or of any other serious irregularities Police were present in all of the polling sites, effectively and discreetly maintaining security. Observers noted that, in many instances, police officers also contributed to the smooth running of the poll by helping election day workers to organize the lines and assisting elderly and physically challenged voters.

Presiding officers and poll clerks were well trained and instructed voters on the procedures for voting in an impartial manner. The secrecy of the vote was maintained. While queues to vote were long in the morning, by the afternoon the wait for most voters was minimal. Observers noted that most people identified their polling sites easily and the electoral authorities assisted those in doubt. Polls closed promptly at 5:00 p.m. and, as at the opening, electoral officials followed the proper procedures carefully and efficiently.

There were relatively few areas in which the Mission felt that the electoral process in Grenada could be improved and we reserve detailed comments for our Final Report. Although election day workers everywhere performed their duties effectively, observers considered that a greater degree of uniformity and standardization of the procedures for instructing voters, and for determining spoiled and rejected ballots, would be desirable. The late appearance of the voter list caused public concern as did last-minute debate about the staging of campaign events by rival parties. These anxieties might be avoided in future by timely consultation and by early commitment to a cross-party accord on conduct during the campaign.

The OAS Mission has observed that during the electoral process the people of Grenada have behaved with civility to one another and with respect for the democratic values enshrined in this country’s political process. The Mission calls on party leaders and citizens to continue to promote and respect these values in the days following the election.

Finally, the OAS Mission wishes to congratulate the National Democratic Congress and the Prime Minister elect, Mr Tillman Thomas, on their election victory and to thank all those involved in the General Elections of 2008 in Grenada, including the Supervisor of Elections, the Parliamentary Elections Office, government officials, the Grenadian police force, participating political parties and candidates, members of civil society organizations, presiding officers, poll clerks and party agents and the many citizens of Grenada who offered members of this Mission their own perspectives on this crucial electoral exercise.

• Parliamentary System-Governor General, Prime Minister, and Cabinet; bicameral Parliament with an elected House of Representatives and an appointed Senate.
• Independent state within the Commonwealth since 1974.
• 3 Branches of Government: Executive (Prime Minister), Legislative, and Judicial Branch.
• Legislative Branch: Senate (13 seats) and House of Representatives (15 seats)
• Judicial Branch: Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court-Court of Appeal and High Court of Justice

The Two Main Political Parties are:

• New National Party (NNP): Current Government and Mr. Keith Mitchell is the Prime Minister (since 1995).
  – Founded in 1984, merger of four smaller parties.
  – Ruling party since 1995
  – In 2003 won by 46.65% of popular vote
  – NNP currently has 8 seats in Parliament, and has majority by 1 seat.
• National Democratic Congress (NDC): Main Opposition party.
  - The NDC was the leading power from 1990-1995.
  - Mr. Tillman Thomas is the leader of NDC and leader of opposition in
  Parliament.
  - In 2003, the NDC received 44.12.44% of the popular vote
  - The NDC has 7 seats in Parliament, one seat less than the NNP

Territory
Grenada is an island nation, that includes the southern Grenadines in the southeastern Caribbean Sea. The country is located north of Trinidad and Tobago and Venezuela, and south of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. The island Grenada itself is the largest island; smaller Grenadines are Carriacou, Petite Martinique, Ronde Island, Caille Island, Diamond Island, Large Island, Saline Island and Frigate Island. Most of the population lives on Grenada itself, and major towns there include the capital, St. George’s, Grenville and Gouyave. The largest settlement on the other islands is Hillsborough on Carriacou.

Population & Languages
Grenada has an estimated population of 90, 343 inhabitants and the capital of the country is St. George's with 33,734 residents. Most of Grenada's population is of African descent (82%). A few South Asians and a small community of the descendants of early European settlers reside in Grenada. About 50% of Grenada's population is under the age of 30. English is the official language; only a few people still speak French patois. A more significant reminder of Grenada's historical link with France is the strength of the Roman Catholic Church, to which about 60% of Grenadians belong.

Economy
The economy of Grenada, based primarily upon services (tourism and education) and agricultural production (nutmeg and cocoa), was brought to a near standstill by Hurricane Ivan on September 7, 2004. Thirty-seven people were killed by the hurricane, and between eight and ten thousand were left homeless. Hurricane Ivan damaged or destroyed 90% of the buildings on the island, including some tourist facilities. Overall damage totaled as much as 2.5 times annual GDP. Reconstruction has proceeded quickly, but much work remains.

Despite initial high unemployment in the tourist and other sectors, urban Grenadians have benefited post-hurricane from job opportunities in the surging construction sector. Agricultural workers have not fared as well. Hurricane Ivan destroyed or significantly damaged a large percentage of Grenada's tree crops, and Hurricane Emily further damaged the sector. Complete recovery will take years. However, many hotels, restaurants, and other businesses have reopened.

Grenada is a member of the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union (ECCU). The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) issues a common currency for all members of the ECCU. The ECCB also manages monetary policy, and regulates and supervises commercial banking activities in its member countries.

Grenada is also a member of the Caribbean Community and Common Market (CARICOM). Most goods can be imported into Grenada under open general license, but some goods require specific licenses. Goods that are produced in the Eastern Caribbean receive additional protection; in May 1991, the CARICOM common external tariff (CET) was implemented.

Grenada is a member of the Caribbean Development Bank, CARICOM, the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), the Commonwealth of Nations, and the World Trade Organization (WTO). It joined the United Nations in 1974, and then the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, and the Organization of American States (OAS) in 1975. Grenada also is a member of the Eastern Caribbean's Regional Security System (RSS).