WASHINGTON – The Assistant Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), Albert R. Ramdin, and the Permanent Representative of Saint Kitts and Nevis to the Organization, Izben C. Williams, today signed the Agreement on Privilege and Immunities for the observers that will form part of the Electoral Observation Mission of the OAS to the federal elections to be held in the Caribbean country on January 25.
Steven Griner, the head of the Electoral Observation Department of the OAS, will lead the mission. He has recently led OAS missions to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and to Dominica.
The OAS mission will have 12 members. They will cover the 94 electoral seats in the 11 electoral districts of the country. There are eight districts in Saint Kitts and three in Nevis.
Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), Albert Ramdin
“We are very satisfied because Saint Kitts and Nevis requested the observation of the OAS,” Ambassador Ramdin stated. “We hope that the elections are orderly, peaceful, and organized in such a way that can surpass international scrutiny,” he added. “I wish the people of Saint Kitts and Nevis all the best in taking part of this democratic process.”
Electoral Process
Ambassador Williams said Saint Kitts and Nevis “is very thankful for the participation of the OAS” in the electoral process. “We will do everything we can to give you an opportunity to observe how we proceed in a democratically and orderly manner. My government is, of course, a strong promoter not only of the democratic process but also of the institutions that speak to this process in a transparent manner and in a way that represents the interests of the people of the country.”
The OAS General Secretariat and the government of Saint Kitts and Nevis signed an agreement today. This is an important step. It helps ensure that the Electoral Observation Mission can do its work properly. A Procedure Agreement will be signed soon. This agreement will explain the access and basic rules for the observers’ visit.
