Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), José Miguel Insulza, and the Permanent Representative of Dominica to the Organization, Hubert Charles, on Wednesday signed an agreement for an Electoral Observation Mission (EOM) for the general election scheduled here for December 8.
The agreement was signed at the OAS Headquarters in Washington DC and it stipulates the conditions for the work of the mission.
Insulza expressed his conviction that “Dominica will have a normal and peaceful electoral process.”
According to him the OAS has been present “in 54 elections in the Caribbean since 1962” and this will be the second EOM in Dominica.
Charles said “we are very pleased and happy with the presence of the OAS,” and said he hopes the report prepared by the EOM “will be run on a very professional level.”
The OAS has appointed Adam Blackweel as the chief of the mission and the team will be composed of observers from Antigua and Barbuda, Canada, Chile, the United States and Venezuela.
The team arrives in Dominica today (Wednesday) and will hold meetings with representatives of political parties, government officials, media and social organizations.
In the December 8 poll, the incumbent Dominica Labour Party will be facing the United Workers Party.
The comment that you invited me to make as regards the OAS mission to observe the elections in Dominica, was deleted by you.
However, a more credible, and more widely read publication “Caribbean News Now”, did publish the comment. In fact I have been challenging the lies and propaganda of the agents of Roosevelt Skerritt and the (DLP) in that medium.
It is sad, that your publication chooses to be selective in the publication of fair comments, that asks real questions about relevant issues, and the performance, or non-performance of established institutions, that are there to protect the kind of democracy that we have.
It would seem to me that free speech as far as this publication is concerned, is based on whether the publishers of this publication, supports one view or another. hank God, there are more mature minds, and real journalists who understand, and treasure the concept of differing views as the cornerstone of Western Democracy.
What legal clout does the OAS have? And what influence does the OAS have to right the wrongs taking place in this election re the election laws and the bribing of voters and the overseas voters also Dominican US citizens taking part in the electoral process.
Good grief, what more do you want. Are you going to respect the decision of the OAS and the electorate populace of DA, or are you going to make a fool of your self as-usual. How can you convince me to vote UWP, while your are calling and sending people name to the US government. Are you a fellow Dominican! What else are you going to do?
Are u slow
Love a you for real what the hell that have to do with the UWP bring the group to monitor the election I just don’t understand individual like you have education and lack common sense .
That’s why we need changes in Dominica because we still have to many un educated people running around even in the diaspora.. God we ask you forgive us and give us one more chance to put our Island back on track.
Love, I suggest if you can listen to the song by Dolly Parton “HELLO GOD ” consider and focus on the words of the song, and that’s a song for all Dominicans should be playing always.
Very Good, are there any other invited observer groups?
I wish the OAS team were here some time before. I don’t think the week of election is long enough to adequately capture the goings on before elections.
Insulza expressed his conviction that “Dominica will have a normal and peaceful electoral process.” I want to ask Mr Insulza what has he based his conviction on? The OAS Director should avoid making such statement until he has all the facts. Five years ago the OAS advise on electoral reform. Five years later not a dam has been done. And you come and talk about “normal and peaceful elections” Mr Insulza you have already started to offend us Dominicans. Further to this, the governing party is involved in an illegal activity of bribing Dominicans living overseas to come and vote and you talk about normal and peaceful election process. Be very careful Sir! The OAS engagement must be seen to be objective. I thank you!
I concur with you.
I believe The top brass of this mission is influenced by the LABOUR HENCHMEN. NOTHING good is going to come from this. This is another political tactic.
they r all diplomats of the DLP. oh pls. OAS REP is tied to the DLP.
A few days before the elections? To do justice to coverage of an election, observers must be present at least three weeks before the elections and be informed about the country, its politics and electoral laws and political parties over a 2-3 months period
Is that your opinion or statement of fact??
either way its a great point!
How many observers? I hope it s not 10. There should be a minimum of 25 or at least 21.
How about 365? DA!!