ST GEORGE'S, Grenada (CMC):

Assistant Secretary General of the Organiastion of American States (OAS), Ambassador Albert Ramdin, will pay a two-day visit to Grenada to pave the way for the arrival of an observer mission as the country prepares for general election.

Francis McBarnette, head of the OAS office in Grenada said that during the June 12-14 visit, meetings will be held with all political stakeholders.

"He will meet with civil society, all political organisations and independent candidates expected to contest the July 8 general election, as well as government officials at the election office," she said. "The idea is for him to have a better understanding about the current situation and the role the OAS can play to ensure that the process is democratic."

Ambassador Ramdin will be accompanied by Steven Griner who will provide technical support to the election office and will head the technical arm of the observer mission which arrives days after Ramdin's visit.

More than 65,000 voters are eligible to vote in the election which is being contested by at least three political parties.

They include the ruling New National Party of Prime Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell, which is seeking an unprecedented fourth consecutive term in office; the main opposition National Democratic Party, and the Grenada United Labour Party.