The team of election observers from the Organization of American States (OAS) in a preliminary report on Wednesday described the overall impression of the electoral process in Grenada during the General Elections as extermely positive, with relatively few areas that could be improved. The OAS 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. The OAS reports that everywhere their 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. The overall impressions of the electoral process in Grenada were extremely positive, the OAS said. In all the cases the OAS team 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 percent 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 detailed comments have been reserved for the 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 says. The OAS Mission observed that during the electoral process the people of Grenada behaved with civility to one another and with respect for the democratic values enshrined in this country’s political process. The Mission has called on party leaders and citizens to continue to promote and respect these values in the days following the election. Reprinted from Caribbean Net News caribbeannetnews.com