KINGSTON, Jamaica – After observing the electoral process leading up to Monday’s (Sept. 3rd) balloting, the Organization of American States (OAS) attests to the professional and transparent manner in which the General Elections in Jamaica were carried out.
The Chief of the Mission, Albert Ramdin, congratulates the people of Jamaica who demonstrated their commitment to democracy through their peaceful and orderly participation.
Ambassador Ramdin also praises the electoral authorities for the professional manner in which these elections were organized, the constructive engagement of the political leaders and the responsiveness of the security forces, specifically the police during the campaign and on Election Day itself.
The 38 members of the OAS Electoral Observation Mission visited 53 of the 60 constituencies throughout the country. These accredited observers had unfettered access to the polling stations and counting centers, meeting with many authorities, party agents and voters alike. Also, the Mission appointed a member of its team to participate in the deliberations of the Election Center, a mechanism that permitted the political parties to voice their concerns to appropriate authorities and seek immediate responses.
On Election Day, with only few exceptions, polls throughout the country opened on time. The OAS Mission noted that the Electoral Office of Jamaica was able to effectively address the challenges posed by hurricane Dean. It was also able to observe that security was present and adequate. Auxiliary security workers manned the polling stations; the police and armed forces maintained order around the polling centers. Almost without exception, everyone who went to the polls could find their names on the voters list and were able to cast their ballots. Even those citizens without documentation were afforded their franchise through a previously conceived alternative verification process. It is worth noting however, that this verification slowed down the voting, especially in the morning when the crowds were the largest.
The OAS Mission was also able to monitor the conclusion of the political campaign. During this time a number of violent acts and loss of life were reported, although it has not yet been determined which of these can be directly attributed to the electoral campaign. The OAS regrets any loss of life and condemns all acts of violence. It further believes that the work of the Election Center and the active participation of stakeholders in this mechanism helped facilitate a peaceful environment for the holding and management of the elections.
The OAS will continue to monitor the post-electoral developments in Jamaica. On Thursday, September 6, Ambassador Ramdin will present a more comprehensive verbal report to the OAS Permanent Council in Washington, D.C.
