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Sen. George Prime |
The main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) has asked the London-based Commonwealth Secretariat to keep a "watchful eye'' on Grenada, with regard to the "general electoral process and infringement on the constitutional rights'' of the party.
A March 3 letter from the NDC to Commonwealth Secretary General, Donald C. McKinnon, said the forthcoming elections are "expected to be particularly intense.''
The letter, signed by NDC Deputy Political Leader, Senator George Prime, requests the involvement of the Commonwealth Secretariat and other international organisations to ensure that the poll is conducted freely and fairly.
"The preparations, management and monitoring of the processes and systems within the elections would require independent and reliable oversight,'' Prime said in the letter. "We have taken steps in this regard and have invited pertinent organisations and institutions to become integrally involved'', the letter added.
While an election date has not been announced, campaigning and other political activities for the poll have already commenced, the Senator told the Secretary General."In this regard, my party, the National Democratic Congress, would feel especially confident if your organisation was favourably disposed toward keeping a watchful eye on developments here in Grenada, prior to the elections and bringing your expertise to bear on those developments in the interest of democracy and fair,'' Prime said.
Speculation is rife that Prime Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell will call the poll sometime towards the latter half of the year.
The ruling New National Party (NNP) is not fully prepared for the election and not certain of choice of candidates for a few constituencies like St. David's and St. Patrick East.
Sen. Prime who is the NDC's election candidate for Carriacou and Petit Martinique, briefed the Commonwealth Secretariat official about the February 26 incident on Lucas Street in which Police Constable Kelon Noel was caught clandestinely tape recording an executive meeting of Congress.
"Of immense concern,'' Prime said, "is (the) recent spying incident and surreptitious recording of a private meeting of the executive of the National Democratic Congress.
"It is also instructive to note that this specific incident was preceded by some very disturbing occurrences at the Parliamentary Elections Office; in particular, the removal of the two most senior officers simultaneously on August 31 2007, while preparations for general elections were being undertaken'', he added.
The NDC, which claims the incident is a breach of their constitutional rights to assembly and privacy, has lodged an official complaint with Commissioner of Police, Winston James.
The Commissioner has promised an investigation of the complaint.
He also asked the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to probe allegations from Noel that he was beaten by NDC executive members during what they called a "citizen's arrest.''
The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has advised the police not to charge any NDC member over the incident.
The police probe involved interrogation of at least eight members of the NDC including Senator Arley Gill, Joseph Gilbert, the Candidate for St. Patrick West and Sylvester Quarless, the candidate for St. Andrew South-west.
Sen. Prime implored Secretary-General McKinnon to use his "good office and intervene in any appropriate manner'' within his capacity relevant to the spying on the official Opposition Leader and his party.
"Please feel free to circulate this correspondence to all your affiliates who may be in a position to bring their expertise to bear on the circumstances in Grenada,'' Prime told the Commonwealth official.
