CARICOM Deploys Election Observation Mission to St. Vincent and the Grenadines 

By Val Matthias. Updated 7:28 p.m., Friday, November 21, 2025, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4). 

The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has deployed a ten-member Election Observation Mission (CEOM) to monitor the upcoming General Elections in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, scheduled for November 27, 2025.  

The Mission was mounted following an invitation from the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, issued on October 2, 2025. Observers will be in the country from November 20 to 29, covering the pre-election period, Election Day, and the immediate post-election atmosphere.  

The CEOM is headed by Mr. Sase R. Gunraj, Commissioner of the Guyana Elections Commission. The team includes senior electoral officials and parliamentary representatives from Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago. They are supported by three members of the CARICOM Secretariat, who will provide administrative and logistical assistance.  

The Core Group, comprising the Chief of Mission and Secretariat staff, arrived in St. Vincent and the Grenadines on November 20, while the remaining members are expected by November 23. Since their arrival, the observers have met with key political stakeholders, including Honourable Daniel Cummings of the New Democratic Party (NDP), Dr. Doris Frederick of the National Liberation Movement (NLM), as well as representatives of the Teachers’ Union, Voice of the Disabled, and the media.  

In the coming days, the Mission will hold discussions with Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, Supervisor of Elections Ms. Dora James, and Commissioner of Police Mr. Enville Williams, along with other political actors and civil society groups. These engagements are intended to provide the CEOM with a comprehensive understanding of the pre-election environment and the level of preparedness for the polls.  

On Election Day, observers will monitor the entire process, including the opening of polling stations, the casting of ballots, the closing of polls, the counting of votes, and the declaration of results. A preliminary statement outlining the Mission’s initial assessment will be issued before the team departs on November 29. A detailed final report will later be submitted to CARICOM Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett and made public.  

In its statement, CARICOM emphasized its commitment to supporting democratic processes in the region and expressed appreciation for the warm welcome and cooperation received since the Mission’s arrival.  

 Source: CARICOM Election Observation Mission Statement, November 2025

Here is a link to the report from CARICOM on the 2020 General Election.

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