Statement by the OAS Electoral Observation Mission to the 2010 General Elections of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

WASHINGTON, DC – Led by Ambassador Frank Almaguer, the ten delegates of the OAS Electoral Observation Mission visited all of the 229 polling sites in the country. In every case observed, the polls opened on time and had the requisite materials and polling officials.

In the morning, there were long lines of voters who patiently waited to exercise their franchise. The presiding officers, poll clerks, party agents and police worked harmoniously throughout the long day, helping citizens find their polling stations and ensuring an organized and peaceful environment.

These officials expeditiously conducted the preliminary count and most concluded their work one or two hours after the close of the polls. In the opinion of the mission, the election was conducted with minimal incidents and complied with international standards for inclusiveness and transparency.

The OAS delegation continues to monitor this process, though, and will observe the final count by the Returning Officers today. “The people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines have once again demonstrated their commitment to democracy in a peaceful manner,” stated OAS Secretary General Jose Miguel Insulza.

Ambassador Almaguer will deliver an oral report to the OAS Permanent Council soon.