St Vincent Elections Fair, Says Intl. Observers

Kingstown, Dec 15. -The observing mission of the Organization of American States concluded that the general elections in St Vincent and the Grenadines, in which Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves, won a third consecutive term, were fair and well organized.

The ten delegates of the OAS Electoral Observation Mission visited all of the 229 polling sites on election day on Monday.

The mission's report indicates that polls opened on time and had the requisite materials and polling officials.

The presiding officers, poll clerks, party agents and police worked harmoniously throughout the long day, helping citizens to find their polling stations and ensuring an organized and peaceful environment, concludes the OAS report.

In the opinion of the mission, the election complied with international standards for inclusiveness and transparency.

"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.

PM Ralph Gonsalves, 64, and his Unity Labour Party (ULP) rolled to a historic victory for the third consecutive time, winning an eight seat majority in the 15 seat Parliament.

The ULP overcome a tough challenge from the main opposition New Democratic Party (NDP), which increased its representation in the legislative house by winning four seats more than the three it got in 2001 and 2005. It now has seven.

The assessment by the OAS and other international observers shatters allegations of electoral fraud some of the opponents are voicing. (Prensa Latina)