Guyana Elections Commission Says Arrangements Completed For CARICOM To Oversee Election Ballot Recount

GEORGETOWN, Guyana, March 16, 2020 (CMC) – The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) said, today, that it has completed all the preparatory arrangements for the commencement of the national recount exercise as, agreed to by President, David Granger, and the Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

But, in a statement, GECOM said, “while the Commission has considered the request, in principle, and has approved it, a signed agreement, between the Leaders and CARICOM is essential, in order for the process to be operationalized”.

Over the last weekend, a five-member, independent CARICOM team arrived, here — following a statement, by Barbados Prime Minister and CARICOM chair, Mia Mottley — to overlook the recount of votes in all 10 Regions.

Granger had asked Mottley to ensure that the CARICOM Initiative “operates within the legal framework of the Constitution of Guyana, and respects the role of the Elections Commission and the rulings of the Supreme Court”.

In its statement, GECOM said that the recount exercise will be conducted at the Arthur Chung’s Conference Centre, and that a site visit has already been undertaken by GECOM; the CARICOM delegation, which is headed by former Dominica attorney general and foreign affairs minister, Francine Baron; the Guyana Police Force; and representatives from the Ministry of Tourism.

“The Guyana Elections Commission is resolute, in ensuring that the process is conducted to the satisfaction of all stakeholders, so that the electoral process can be concluded, within the shortest possible time. An update would be provided on the commencement time for the activity,” it added.