November 10, 2026
In response to an invitation from the Government of Grenada, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) mounted an eleven (11) member CARICOM Election Observation Mission (CEOM) to observe the General Elections held in Grenada on 5 November 2026.
The Mission comprised electoral experts from eight (8) CARICOM Member States: Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, The Bahamas, Belize, Guyana, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Administrative and logistical support was provided by three (3) members of the CARICOM Secretariat.
The CEOM observed the preparations for and conduct of the elections to provide an independent, impartial and informed assessment of the electoral process, and to take note of any factors that may affect the credibility and transparency of the elections.
PRE-ELECTION ACTIVITIES AND STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
The Chief of Mission and members of the CEOM arrived in Grenada during the period 29 October to 1 November 2026. As part of its pre-election activities, the Mission consulted widely with a broad cross-section of Grenadian society to gain an understanding of the prevailing political and electoral environment and to assess the level of preparedness for the General Elections. Stakeholders with whom the Mission engaged included:
- Ms. Grace Thomas, Chairperson of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), and other members of her team;
- Ms. Emmalin Pierre, Leader of the New National Party (NNP), the main Opposition Party and members of her team;
- Mr. Peter David, Leader of the Democratic People’s Movement (PDM),
- Mr. Jonathan La Crette, Leader of the People’s National Party (PNP) and sole Candidate;
- Mr. Randy Connaught, Commissioner of Police and other members of the High Command of the Royal Grenada Police Force;
- Ms. Calistra Farrier, Chairperson, of the Grenada Media Workers Association;
- Ms. Jennifer Simon, Policial Analysist and Social Commentor;
- Mr. Kem Jones, Political Analysist and Social Commentor;
- The Independent Caucus for Constitutional Reform;
- The Grenada Chamber of Industry and Commerce;
- The Grenada Trades’ Union Council;
- The Grenada National Council for Disabled;
- The Grenada Integrity Commission; and
- Other Observation Groups.
The Mission also met with Mr. Arthur Pierre, Supervisor of Elections and his management team. The engagement provided the CEOM with an opportunity to receive information on the preparations for the elections, including the arrangements for the conduct of the polls.
These consultations provided the Mission with the necessary perspectives on the electoral environment and the preparedness of the relevant institutions and stakeholders for the General Elections.
Advance Poll – 2 November 2026
The CEOM observed the conduct of the advance poll held on 2 November 2026, which provided an opportunity for members of the Royal Grenada Police Force to cast their ballots ahead of Election Day. The Mission observed the process and noted no significant issues during the conduct of the advance poll.
ELECTION DAY OBSERVATIONS
Deployment of Observation Teams
On Election Day, members of the CEOM were deployed across mainland Grenada and Carriacou to observe the electoral process. The teams visited a total of two hundred and eighty-two (282) polling stations, covering all polling stations on the two islands and all fifteen (15) constituencies.
During their visits, observers engaged with Returning Officers, Presiding Officers, polling staff, party agents and other stakeholders, and observed the various stages of the electoral process, including the opening of the polls, voting, closing of the polls and the counting of ballots.
Opening of the Poll
The CEOM observer teams arrived at the polling stations prior to the opening of the poll to observe the preparations and opening procedures. The Mission noted the following:
- there was an adequate police presence at the polling locations;
- polling staff were present, and the necessary election materials and supplies had been delivered in time to ensure polls opened promptly at 6:00 a.m.;
- at least two (2) polling agents representing the political parties were present in most polling divisions;
- the requisite notices and instructions for electors were displayed at the polling stations;
- the polling staff carried out the opening of the poll procedures as required;
- generally, polling divisions opened on time and voters were able to cast their vote in a very peaceful and orderly manner; and Electors were already present at a number of polling stations when the observer teams arrived
Voting Process
At the polling locations visited, the Mission observed that most locations had the list of electors displayed to enable voters to verify their names. The Polling Station Marshalls were also available to assist electors in checking the lists and directing them to the appropriate polling divisions.
The polling staff appeared to be adequately trained and conducted themselves in a courteous and professional manner. They provided assistance to elderly electors and persons with disabilities and explained the voting procedures to electors in an impartial and consistent manner.
The Mission also observed that voter turnout was steady at a number of polling stations during the morning and towards the close of the polls, although activity was generally slow during the intervening hours.
Throughout the day, polling staff remained focused on their duties and continued to administer the voting process in accordance with the prescribed procedures, ensuring that eligible electors were able to exercise their franchise.
Overall, the CEOM observed that the voting procedures at the polling stations visited were conducted in accordance with the procedures and guidelines established by the Grenada Parliamentary Elections Office.
Close of Poll
The CEOM observer teams returned to the polling stations where they had observed the opening of the polls to witness the closing procedures. Teams arrived ahead of the scheduled close of the polls.
At 5:00 p.m., Presiding Officers formally declared the polls closed. At most of the polling stations observed, there were no electors waiting in line at the time of closure. At those stations where electors were still in line, they were permitted to cast their ballots in accordance with the established procedures.
Counting of Ballots
The CEOM teams observed the procedures following the close of the polls, including the counting of ballots, the sealing of ballot boxes and the arrangements for the transportation of ballot boxes to the designated Holding Stations.
At the polling stations where the counting process was observed, ballot boxes were opened in the presence of polling agents, electors and observers. The ballots were counted in accordance with the established procedures.
The Mission noted that the counting process was conducted in an orderly manner, with the relevant stakeholders afforded the opportunity to observe the proceedings.
Overall impression
The CEOM is of the view that on elections day, electors were able to exercise their franchise in a peaceful and orderly manner without significant incident.
The Mission commends the polling day workers for the professional and courteous manner in which they discharged their responsibilities throughout the electoral process. The Royal Grenada Police Force also maintained law and order at the polling stations and demonstrated professionalism in their interactions with electors and other stakeholders.
The CEOM congratulates the Supervisor of Elections and the staff of the Grenada Parliamentary Elections Office for their administration of the electoral process. The Mission also commends the political parties, their polling agents and supporters for their conduct on Election Day, and the electorate for their participation in the democratic process.
Conclusion
This Preliminary Statement provides an initial assessment of the CEOM’s observations of the electoral process. A comprehensive Final Report, outlining the Mission’s detailed findings and recommendations, will be submitted to the Secretary-General of CARICOM in the coming weeks.
CARICOM reaffirms its commitment to continuing to support Grenada’s democratic journey and its pursuit of a peaceful, unified and prosperous future for all Grenadians.
The CEOM also expresses its sincere appreciation to all individuals and organisations who made themselves available to meet with the Mission and who contributed to its understanding of the electoral environment in Grenada.
HERMAN ST. HELEN
CHIEF OF MISSION
CARICOM ELECTION OBSERVATION MISSION (CEOM)
ST. GEORGES, GRENADA
6TH NOVEMBER 2026