Guyana Elections Commission To Hand Down Decision On Election Timeline Today

GEORGETOWN, Guyana, September 19, 2019 (CMC) – Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Justice (retired) Claudette Singh, will, today, render a decision on the timeline for the holding of General and Regional Elections in the South American republic.

Following a meeting, yesterday, one of the government-appointed Commissioners, Vincent Alexander, told reporters that the Chair decided to make the announcement, following the failure of the opposition commissioners to present a proposal on a timeline for the elections that was requested by the Chair.

He explained that fellow government-appointed Commissioner, Charles Corbin, had heeded to the request and provided a detailed proposal, suggesting March 2020 for the elections.

During an address to the nation, following a meeting with the United States-based Carter Centre, earlier this week, President David Granger said GECOM must be allowed to continue the task of preparing for the elections.

He added that the commission must assure the public that it is ready to conduct elections and advise him of its readiness to do so.

“It would be reckless and irresponsible on my part, to appoint a date for elections without the commission’s advice and assurance that it would be ready to conduct elections on such a date,” he explained.

According to the president, it is GECOM’s responsibility to ensure adequate resources and staffing, the publication of the official list of electors, and administrative mechanisms for efficient polling, are implemented.

He also expressed full confidence in Justice Singh’s ability.

President Granger reiterated his administration’s respect for GECOM’s constitutionally-safeguarded independence, noting its authorised responsibility for the conduct of general and regional elections.

“I look forward to the commission’s recommendation to the conduct of the credible election, at the earliest time possible,” the Head of State noted.