Whether by way of embracing the ‘condemned’ electoral system or by way of introducing a ‘reformed’ electoral system in Grenada, it seems that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) is maneuvering to take full grip of the electoral system. What are the political realities and/or motivations for such an ‘ugly and repulsive’ stance?
At least three correlated cases can be raised regarding those concerns. At all costs, the ruling 23 June 2022 NDC is determined to secure an unprecedented second consecutive term in Government. Whatever the cost may be, Dickon Mitchell’s NDC is determined to accomplish its Transformation Agenda on a political trajectory, with ‘quick fixes and reckless implementations’ of externally driven projects.
At any cost and without any reservation, NDC is determined to outdo the unprecedented political governance of Keith Mitchell’s New National Party (NNP) in all its various forms.
The NDC claims to have awareness as to why and how its main political rival, NNP, was able to be so successful at general elections; and with it (NDC) humiliated to the ‘abyss of Parliament’.
Being cognisant that ‘the many deficiencies in the Representation of the People Act (RPA) and in the operations of the electoral office allowed the powers-that-be (NNP) to manipulate the electoral system to its advantage’, there are empirical developments which signals that the NDC regime will reciprocate or will follow suit.
Should the Grenadian people view and applaud the NDC on its adopted stance towards winning elections, as a necessary evil? What then are at stake with this stance for the meaning of free and fair elections, and for the constitutional democracy and future of Grenada?
Would this stance be a deterrent for conscientious patriots to (not) participate in elections; as the internet-circulated article Is Grenada Next Elections Seriously at Risk? begs for credible ‘treatment and standing’ about the electoral system?
Whilst the question as to which of the main parties in Grenada, NNP and NDC, is more likely to benefit or succeed at the next general elections, with the present sorry state of the electoral system, may not be of relevance, serious vigilance must be directed at the approach by the NDC government in reforming the electoral system, as pertinent worrisome developments show.
The core of this Reform is the installation of a modern Identity Document Issuance System (IDIS) at the Parliamentary Elections (PEO) and it could be anticipated that this new IDIS would be in effect for the next elections.
The above referenced past Article also elaborates about the legislative basis and administrative engagements for the proper and effective implementation of the IDIS, as it highlights that the IDIS functions as the main server of the Computerised Voter Registration System for the processes to do with the registering and allowing of eligible individuals to vote at elections, as required under the RPA with its regulations.
The ‘degraded and outdated’ original main server or operational software of the Computerised Voter Registration System since 2012/2013 give imperativeness for replacement, especially in light of its repeated crashes with the serious risk of having the data on the registered voters being compromised and/or lost.
Moreover, the need for attending to the Electronics Technology of the electoral system is reiterated in the 24 June 2022 Preliminary Report of the Organisation of American States (OAS) on Grenada’s 23 June 2022 General Elections.
The Report particularly raises for “redesigning the voter registration system in order to improve accuracy and inclusiveness, including a mechanism to carry out a verification (‘and control of the electoral’) process at a national level, avoiding duplicate registration”.
What must be appreciated about the ‘proper and effective’ implementation of the new IDIS? The key stages involved are meticulous needs assessment and commensurate software design; widespread public consultation and information; tendering and procuring; installing and testing; and (re) registering of eligible voters.
Based on the nature and objective of the upgraded System, there would also be the need for pertinent legislative provisions and a campaign for the enumeration of Grenadian electorates.
The ‘approach and timing’ by the NDC government about the upgraded replacement of the IDIS leaves a lot to be desired and generates many suspicions, with seemingly ‘underhand’ transactions and collaborations.
The NDC begins its process on the IDIS-replacement with a halt to the necessary stakeholders’ consultations on the electoral system, earlier organised by the PEO with the emphasis ‘to gather feedback in enhancing the registration system and addressing any concerns or suggestions’.
This ‘undemocratic and abuse of power’ situation about the new IDIS is evident when also considering that the Government has scratched the March 2013 Committee of Social Partners and has had no substantial ‘good faith’ engagements with the regular Grouping of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs).
Following the limited circulation of a “Specific Procurement Notice – Request for Bids” to the Press about the IDIS, the Supervisor of Elections (SoE) in the PEO sends invitations for particular entities to “sit on the management committee (‘some’ as an observer) that governs the installation of the New Voters Registration System”, but without informing of the technical specifications and the terms of reference.
With reference to the “Specific Procurement Notice – Request for Bids” issued on 04 June 2025 presumably by the PEO, there are tremendous ambiguities and perplexities about the ‘purpose, description and scope’ of the new IDIS and apparent legal irregularities in the Bid’s request and process.
To be noted for consideration is the headline of the Procurement Notice as “Request for Bid Information Systems (Design, Supply and Installation)” compared with the Contract Title as “Procurement, Configuration and Implementation of a Modern Identity Document Issuance System (IDIS)”.
The Procurement Notice is open for serious scrutiny and challenges. It must be concerning how the “Request for Bids” gives no mark of reference, ownership and/or authority to the SoE, the constitutionally independent custodian of the electoral system. Who is really commanding this Process?
The Procurement Notice expresses as its main contents thus: “The Parliamentary Elections Office (PEO) is in the process of implementing a system to effectively modernise the voter registration infrastructure, support legal compliance and improve operational efficiency across Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique.
This initiative is grounded in the legislative and regulatory framework governing electoral processes in Grenada, including The Representation of the People Act; The Data Protection Act of 2023; The PEO’s internal operating procedures and voter registration guidelines; Cybersecurity, electronic transaction legislation and data privacy policies; alignment with OECS and CARICOM digital ID development goals.
This project aligns with national strategic objectives to modernise public service delivery and governance systems, strengthen democratic processes through improved voter registration and establish foundations for future e-government and e-identity frameworks.
It responds to the critical need to decommission outdated infrastructure and implement a system capable of supporting accurate, efficient and secure identity services”. An incredibly involved and extensive IDIS-configuration indeed!
What must be concluded from such Contents, and what are the pertinent ramifications? Is there anything to be disquieted about? An incredibly involved and extensive IDIS framework is anticipated which may be proven to be ultra vires the intent and provisions of the RPA, as well as the pertinent sections of the National Constitution.
The ‘nature and objectives’ of the new IDIS seems to exceed the purpose and precautions about the Computerised Voter Registration System as established under section 8 of the RPA. This broad ‘revolutionary’ reach of the new IDIS should confirm and dictate detailed public education and public consensus.
In fact, the nature, description, scope and objectives, with the pertinent parameters, about the procurement and implementation schedules for the new IDIS, should have been laid in Parliament for vigorous debates and as a gesture of transparency and accountability.
Is the capacity of the new IDIS for its “alignment with OECS and CARICOM digital ID development goals” referring to the ‘controversial and vexatious’ intention of the NNP to have had the PEO, office of the SoE, participate in the implementation of the World Bank funded E-Government for Regional Integration Project (EGRIP)?
Is this the issue which triggered the dismissal in 2013 of SoE, Ms. Judy Benoit, and for which the NDC displayed ‘support and solidarity’ for her as she ‘resisted’ the NNP’s decision, as claimed?
Part Two of this Caption explores and unfolds further on NDC’s effort to implement the new IDIS for the electoral system, in the most despicable manner; especially when ‘respect for Sovereignty’ is echoed.
J.K. Roberts